Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschJuly 26, 2018

With a number of competitive races slated for the 2018 ballot, Florida Senate Republicans are planning a grand slam of a fundraiser at the U.S. Open in New York City next month. According to an invitation sent out by the Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee, the main committee supporting GOP state Senate campaigns, donors who […]

Drew WilsonJuly 18, 2018

Former Clearwater Rep. Ed Hooper added another backer for his state Senate bid Wednesday, landing the support of the political arm of the Florida Medical Association. “The FMA PAC is proud to endorse Ed Hooper for Senate District 16. During his time in the House, the FMA worked very closely with him and he was a […]

Staff ReportsJuly 17, 2018

Another election cycle, another edition of Politics in Pinellas. The event, hosted biennially by the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce, is set to draw at least 10 candidates for offices ranging from Pinellas School Board to state Senator. “Are they running for office for the first time or up for re-election? This is your opportunity […]

Drew WilsonJuly 3, 2018

The Florida Retail Federation said Tuesday they were backing former Republican Rep. Ed Hooper’s bid for Senate District 16. “As a member of the House, Representative Hooper supported legislation that enhanced Florida’s job creation efforts, including our retail industry,” said FRF President/CEO R. Scott Shalley. “As a Senator, we know he’ll continue this effort and […]

Peter SchorschJuly 2, 2018

Poll numbers in two battleground state Senate seats have shifted significantly since last month, while a third race remains essentially deadlocked. In SD 16, the seat previously held by Jack Latvala, Republican Ed Hooper and Democrat Amanda Murphy remain deadlocked, with Hooper at 45 percent and Murphy at 43 percent. The good news here for the GOP is that this […]

Peter SchorschJune 24, 2018

A record number Democratic candidates qualified for state races this week, and the Florida Democratic Party said now it’s time to prepare for the “Blue Wave.” “From the Gubernatorial race, to State House and Senate, to county commissioners and mayors, we have the most qualified, committed, and exciting group of candidates we have ever seen,” […]

Drew WilsonJune 18, 2018

Clearwater Republican Ed Hooper is hitting TV screens throughout Senate District 16 this week with a pair of 30-second ads. Depending on where in the Pinellas- and Pasco-based district viewers live, they’ll see a different version of the ad. The ad airing in North Pinellas on Spectrum features an introduction from Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri. […]

Drew WilsonJune 12, 2018

Clearwater Republican Ed Hooper narrowly outraised New Port Richey Democrat Amanda Murphy in her first month running for Senate District 16. Hooper raised $43,575 in hard money and tacked on another $24,590 through his committee, Friends of Ed Hooper, for a total of $68,165 raised in May. After about $12,000 in spending, Hooper’s accounts ended […]

Drew WilsonJune 4, 2018

A political committee tied to former Democratic Rep. Amanda Murphy, who is running for Senate District 16 in the fall, brought in $50,000 last month according to a campaign finance report filed Monday. Taxpayers for Responsible Government received that money via a single contribution, though no name or occupation was attributed to the money. The […]

Peter SchorschMay 29, 2018

Two incumbent state Senators enter the summer with nine-point leads over their Democratic challengers, while two former state Representatives seeking an open seat in the Senate are essentially tied, fresh polling shows. Pinellas Republican Jeff Brandes leads Democratic trial lawyer Carrie Pilon 48-39, according to a survey conducted by St. Pete Polls, while a separate […]

Florida Senate Republicans to raise cash at the U.S. Open

Florida Medical Association recommends Ed Hooper for SD 16

Candidates sign up for ‘Politics in Pinellas’

Florida Retail Federation endorses Ed Hooper for SD 16

Fresh polling: Jeff Brandes, Janet Cruz lead in battleground state Senate seats; Ed Hooper, Amanda Murphy deadlocked.

Florida Democrats say ‘no GOP seat is safe’ in 2018

Ed Hooper hits the airwaves in SD 16

Ed Hooper edges out Amanda Murphy in May fundraising

Amanda Murphy raises $50K for political committee during first weeks on the trail

New polling: Jeff Brandes, Dana Young begin re-election campaigns with nine-point leads, while Amanda Murphy, Ed Hooper tied