Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonJune 7, 2016

Democrat Carlos Guillermo Smith has crossed the six-figure fundraising mark in his campaign for the open House District 49 seat. Smith, the one-time Chief of Staff for former HD 49 Rep. Joe Saunders, raised $15,325 in May for a campaign total of $108,355. After expenditures, he entered June with just under $80,000 on hand. Most of the May […]

Scott PowersMay 23, 2016

Democrat Sean Ashby has received the endorsement of the Orange County Classroom Teachers’ Association in his bid for Orlando-based House District 50. The endorsement is something of a prize in the race since both Ashby and his most likely general election opponent, Republican state Rep. Rene Plasencia, are or were Orange County high school teachers […]

Peter SchorschMay 17, 2016

With April in the books, Democrats look to be in control in at least two of the three Orange County Senate seats up for grabs this year, though Republicans have a firm grip on most of Central Florida’s House seats. In Senate District 11, Democratic State Rep. Randolph Bracy is still on top in the four-way primary for […]

Scott PowersMay 11, 2016

State Rep. Rene “Coach P” Plasencia of Orlando brought in $13,900 in April, the largest haul of any Central Florida candidate, but finds himself almost matched in the month by Republican challenger George Collins of Orlando, who lent another $10,000 to his campaign. Plasencia, who currently represents House District 49, finds himself now in a […]

Drew WilsonMay 10, 2016

Republican Peter Vivaldi announced Tuesday that eight Central Florida lawmakers are backing his bid for the District 15 seat in the Florida Senate. “I am very honored and encouraged to have the support of so many members of our area’s delegation,” Vivaldi said. “They are all great conservative leaders, and I look forward to working […]

Scott PowersMay 9, 2016

Democratic House District 49 candidate Carlos Guillermo Smith raised $13,755 in April, one of the biggest hauls in any Central Florida state House race. Smith attributed the impressive total, his biggest month since he announced his candidacy last June, to momentum from his work as an advocate in Tallahassee during the 2016 Legislative Session, and support […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 3, 2016

Carlos Guillermo Smith has received enough signatures to secure a spot on the ballot. Smith announced Tuesday he received enough verified signatures to qualify for the House District 49 race. The first-time candidate said he was able to get the signatures needed after launching regularly scheduled volunteer canvassing events at the restaurant Lechonera Latina. “The […]

Scott PowersApril 27, 2016

Most of Central Florida’s Republicans in the Florida House of Representatives made a joint endorsement Tuesday of Dean Asher in the Orlando-based Florida Senate District 13 race. Asher announced the endorsements Tuesday from state Reps. Mike Miller of Winter Park, Rene Plasencia of Orlando, Eric Eisnaugle of Orlando, Bob Cortes of Altamonte Springs, Jason Brodeur of Sanford, […]

Drew WilsonApril 26, 2016

A no-party affiliated candidate has filed to run against Democrat Carlos Smith and Republican Amber Mariano in House District 49. Shea Silverman, a one-time intern for former state Senator and current U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, filed for the Orlando-based House seat April 14. Silverman currently works as a developer for the Center for Distributed Learning […]

Scott PowersMarch 23, 2016

State Rep. Rene Plasencia has found a new way to spend independent political action committee campaign money while he seeks election in a new district: he used it to buy a school bus. Plasencia’s Commitment to Opportunity, Action and Community Health PC (COACH PC) spent $6,735 on Feb. 18 to purchase, at the Campus Auto Retail […]

Tag: Rene Plasencia
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. 4/18/25-Candles and remembrances are left near the Unconquered statue a few hours after the Florida State University Gathering of Unity Vigil held Friday to honor victims of the recent mass shooting. COLIN HACKLEY PHOTO

Carlos Smith maintains fundraising lead in HD 49, adds $15K in May

Sean Ashby wins Orange County teachers union endorsement in HD 50 race

Update on the money race in Central Florida legislative races

Rene Plasencia raises $13,900 in April in his bid for HD 50

Central Florida lawmakers back Peter Vivaldi in SD 15 race

Carlos Guillermo Smith raises more than $13K in April for his HD 49 race

Carlos Guillermo Smith receives enough signatures to qualify in HD 49

Central Florida Republican lawmakers endorse Dean Asher in SD 13 race

Carlos Smith, Amber Mariano draw NPA challenger in HD 49 race

Rene Plasencia uses political action committee money to buy school bus