Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jacob OglesAugust 12, 2018

Former Manatee County Commissioner Jonathan Bruce is calling on Republican state House candidate Melissa Howard to drop out of the running in District 73. The move was prompted by accusations Howard lied about graduating from Miami University in Ohio and then faked her diploma. “What a sad day for integrity in local politics,” Bruce said. […]

Jacob OglesAugust 11, 2018

Story updated at 2:17 p.m. Florida House candidate Melissa Howard’s husband, Ian, suffered a heart attack Friday, sources close to her campaign confirm. The development comes as the Manatee County Republican answers charges she lied about earning a college degree. Lakewood Ranch Medical Center confirms Ian Howard has since been released from the hospital. As for […]

Drew WilsonAugust 10, 2018

House District 73 candidate Melissa Howard says her Republican primary opponent, Tommy Gregory, has been trying to smear her with one lie after another as the pair fight to succeed exiting state Rep. Joe Gruters in the Sarasota-based district. According to Howard, the Gregory campaign has been employing a strategy that is all too common […]

Drew WilsonJuly 19, 2018

The Florida Chamber of Commerce released a “second round” of endorsements for state legislative races Thursday, adding four incumbents and 16 candidates to the 60 endorsements announced in May. “To help ensure Florida remains competitive, we need candidates that are focused on supporting jobs and the Floridians they employ,” said Marian Johnson, the Florida Chamber’s […]

Drew WilsonJuly 9, 2018

Republican attorney Tommy Gregory is rolling out his first TV ad in the race for Sarasota-based House District 73. The 30-second ad features Gregory’s wife, Erica, outlining his conservative credentials and explaining why she was on board when her husband floated the idea of seeking public office. “When Tommy asked me if he should run for public […]

Drew WilsonJune 28, 2018

Sarasota Republican Melissa Howard announced Thursday that she had earned the backing of Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera in her campaign to succeed Rep. Joe Gruters in House District 73. “Melissa Howard is the business owner, community leader, and conservative champion that will best serve her constituents in District 73. I am pleased to endorse Melissa’s […]

Drew WilsonJune 13, 2018

Tommy Gregory, a Republican candidate for House District 73, threw some serious shade at primary opponent Melissa Howard this week, but it looks like he should double check his sources. At issue is Howard’s party affiliation, not an uncommon avenue of attack in the primary season. Earlier this week, the Gregory campaign alleged that Howard […]

Drew WilsonJune 11, 2018

Sarasota Republican Melissa Howard raised more than $20,000 last month for her bid to replace exiting Rep. Joe Gruters in House District 73. Howard raised $10,550 through her campaign account and raised another $10,000 through her affiliated political committee, Citizens for Transparency in Government. The campaign haul came in via 26 contributions, including five for the […]

Drew WilsonJune 5, 2018

Republican Melissa Howard has scheduled a June 13 fundraiser for her campaign to succeed state Rep. Joe Gruters in House District 73. The reception will be held at Medallion Homes, 1651 Whitfield Ave., in Sarasota from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Supporters can RSVP by emailing [email protected] or calling 941-587-8166. Making the host committee for […]

Drew WilsonMay 29, 2018

Former U.S. Sen. Connie Mack III on Tuesday endorsed Tommy Gregory in the race for House District 73. “Tommy Gregory is a patriot and a proven leader,” Mack said. “His military experience has effectively prepared him to enter this new sphere of public service, and there’s no question in my mind that he will be […]

Tag: Melissa Howard
Mike Johnson. Image via AP.

Manatee Co. leader Jonathan Bruce first to call on Melissa Howard to drop out, campaign responds

Melissa Howard’s husband released from hospital as credential controversy engulfs her campaign

Melissa Howard tells Tommy Gregory to ‘stop the lies’

Florida Chamber endorses 20 more state legislative candidates

Tommy Gregory releases first ad for HD 73 campaign

Melissa Howard earns backing of Carlos Lopez-Cantera

Melissa Howard rebuts allegation that she’s a former Democrat

Melissa Howard raises more than $20K in May

Melissa Howard holding HD 73 fundraiser June 13

Connie Mack endorses Tommy Gregory for HD 73