Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschJuly 16, 2018

It comes as no surprise that Republican Jose Fernandez is drawing the support of many of the state’s biggest trial lawyers in his bid for House District 115. But does he represent the best choice for the GOP? Fernandez is himself a lawyer who heads his own personal injury litigation firm, and is one of […]

Staff ReportsJune 29, 2018

On the heels of a Duval County School Board member claiming that his district is “gaming the system” with artificially inflated civics test scores at a struggling school, six Republican lawmakers demanded answers Thursday from Education Commissioner Pam Stewart. Reps. Jason Fischer, Michael Bileca, James Grant, Bob Rommel, and Jennifer Sullivan, along with Sen. Dennis Baxley, raised concerns about “Duval, Manatee […]

Drew WilsonMarch 27, 2018

Sarasota Republican Sen. Greg Steube is holding a fundraiser April 12 for his campaign to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney in Florida’s 17th Congressional District. The campaign fundraiser will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Aragon Room of The Biltmore in Coral Gables, 1200 Anastasia Avenue. The host committee listed […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 7, 2018

HB 839, a bill requiring school districts to display Florida’s motto “In God We Trust,” cleared its final House committee stop Wednesday. The bill requires display in all “school buildings” in a given district, including school district structures. The House Education committee cleared the bill Wednesday with just one no vote, with Republicans and Democrats […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 5, 2018

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The state’s largest teachers union is airing a digital ad opposing a major education bill in the Florida House. The Florida Education Association’s anger is linked to HB 7055, a “conforming” measure sponsored by Miami Republican Michael Bileca and backed by House Speaker Richard Corcoran. The bill includes a number of provisions that FEA opposes, including a voucher program […]

Phil AmmannDecember 19, 2017

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. Off and on: Lily Tysinger, a legislative analyst for the Senate Majority Office, now serves as a program specialist in the Office of the Senate Secretary. Off: Josie Tomkow is no longer an […]

Drew WilsonDecember 13, 2017

The leading Republican running to replace termed-out Rep. Michael Bileca in HD 115 hit the $200,000 mark in cash on hand last month, according to new campaign finance reports. Vance Aloupis added $27,678 to his campaign account last month and spent just $1,360, putting his fundraising total at 220,312 and his cash on hand just […]

Drew WilsonNovember 16, 2017

Republican HD 115 candidate Vance Aloupis added another $10,175 to his campaign account last month, maintaining his lead in the three-way primary race to take over for term-limited Republican Rep. Michael Bileca. Aloupis’ October fundraising report shows him with a to-date fundraising total of $192,634. It also showed $2,036 in spending, leaving him with $173,640 […]

Phil AmmannNovember 7, 2017

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With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. On: Aisha Bien-Aime is the new legislative assistant for Ocoee Democratic Sen. Randolph Bracy. On: Amelia Johnson Smith is district secretary for Melbourne Republican Sen. Debbie Mayfield. On and off: Staz Guntek has replaced Joseph […]

Drew WilsonNovember 6, 2017

Commissioner of Agriculture candidate and state Rep. Matt Caldwell announced support from seven South Florida lawmakers in what his campaign called its “fourth wave” of legislative endorsements. Included in the Monday announcement were House Speaker Designate Jose Oliva, and Reps. Bryan Avila, Michael Bileca, Manny Diaz, George Moraitis, Jeanette Nunez and Carlos Trujillo. Prior “waves” […]

Tag: Michael Bileca

HD 115 hopeful Jose Fernandez may not be best for GOP, trial lawyers

Lawmakers demand answers on questionable civics test results

Greg Steube holding April 12 fundraiser in Coral Gables

Bill requiring schools to display state motto clears final House panel

Teachers’ union joins swamp-draining chorus with new ad targeting Richard Corcoran

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Vance Aloupis has $200K banked for HD 115 bid

Vance Aloupis sustains firm fundraising lead in crowded HD 115 field

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

South Florida lawmakers back Matt Caldwell for Ag. Commissioner