Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Kate BradshawAugust 28, 2018

Incumbency has distinct advantages, as Wengay “Newt” Newton won another term in House District 70 – despite a serious challenge from aggrieved St. Petersburg Democrats. Given that there are no contenders from any other party, the primary decided who will serve the heavily Democratic district seat. Yet, if there was a primary for St. Petersburg […]

Kate BradshawJune 15, 2018

As the 2017 mayoral race ramped up last year, re-election was never a sure thing for incumbent St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman. It was far from it at times. Yet despite a significant challenge from former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker, who was often ahead in the polls, he and his allies pulled it off. Whether it […]

Kate BradshawJune 14, 2018

It’s no wonder Ken Welch is Pinellas County Commission chair (again) this year. First elected in 2000 and later re-elected four times, Welch is thoughtful and incredibly detail-oriented. It’s clear his deliberative style has contributed to the board’s collaborative, seemingly nonpartisan approach to hammering out policy. “Commissioner Welch is a Chairman’s chairman. A grounded statesman and an […]

Drew WilsonMay 29, 2018

Belleair Bluffs Republican Nick DiCeglie has scheduled a May 30 fundraiser for his bid to replace termed-out Rep. Larry Ahern in coastal Pinellas-based House District 66. The event will be held at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, 11 Central Ave., from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Those looking to attend the reception can let the […]

Drew WilsonApril 25, 2018

Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes is holding a fundraiser Wednesday evening benefiting his Senate District 24 re-election campaign in St. Petersburg. The event will be held at 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House, 400 Beach Drive NE, starting at 5 p.m. Those looking to sneak in an RSVP before the fundraiser is in full swing can send […]

Drew WilsonApril 2, 2018

Democrat Carrie Pilon announced Monday that she’s filed to run for the Senate District 24 seat currently held by St. Petersburg Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes. Florida Politics previously reported Pilon, a former prosecutor who now runs an injury law firm, was planning a run for the Pinellas County district. “I’m running for the State Senate because […]

Mitch PerryMarch 7, 2018

Akile Anai learned Monday she would be going to court March 27 on charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest without violence. Better known as Eritha “Akile” Cainion, Anai had recently run under the Uhuru banner for St. Petersburg City Council District 6 last summer. On December 20, 2017, the 21-year-old former candidate was arrested in front of her house […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 19, 2018

St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman announced Monday morning his administration is renaming the city’s main library after former President Barack Obama. Not everyone was pleased. Kriseman made the announcement on Presidents Day in front of the library at 3745 9th Avenue North. The renaming is to coincide with the library’s planned $6 million in renovations, using funds from […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 9, 2018

After a decade searching for a new home, the Tampa Bay Rays officially committed Friday to build a new ballpark in Tampa’s historic Ybor City entertainment district. That wasn’t much of a surprise, considering Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan had revealed that information last October. And Friday afternoon’s press conference didn’t provide many more specifics other […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 15, 2018

The Tampa Bay area will have three Senate seats and 14 House seats on the 2018 ballot; while most of the Pinellas and Hillsborough delegations will be the same when the 2019 Legislative Session rolls around, a few races are starting to heat up. First, the sure things. Tampa Republican Sen. Dana Young is still […]

Tag: Rick Baker
State Sen. Vic Torres at U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost event before the collapse. Photo via Jacob Ogles.

Wengay Newton proves incumbency has advantages in HD 70

#4 on list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians — Rick Kriseman

#11 on list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians — Ken Welch

Nick DiCeglie holding fundraiser Wednesday for HD 66 bid

Jeff Brandes holding St. Pete fundraiser today

Trial lawyer Carrie Pilon files for state Senate

Former St. Pete City Council candidate going to court on resisting arrest charge

Rick Kriseman to name St. Pete library after Barack Obama, some take issue

More questions than answers after Rays commit to play in Ybor City

Here’s where Tampa Bay legislative races stand heading into the 2018 Legislative Session