Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonJune 1, 2018

May finance reports aren’t due for more than a week, but preliminary numbers show Tampa Republican Sen. Dana Young had already raised $169,500 for an affiliated political committee as of May 24. The in-progress report for her challenger, House Minority Leader Janet Cruz, shows just $3,000 in committee cash for the month. According to 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 […]

Drew WilsonMay 16, 2018

The state’s largest teacher union announced Wednesday that it is backing House Minority Leader Janet Cruz in her bid to unseat Tampa Republican Sen. Dana Young in Senate District 18. “Rep. Janet Cruz has been a tireless champion for our educators, students, and parents,” said Florida Education Association President Joanne McCall. “While Republicans, including Senator […]

Drew WilsonMay 10, 2018

House Minority Leader Janet Cruz nearly matched Tampa Republican Sen. Dana Young in April fundraising despite joining the Senate District 18 race 10 days into the month. Cruz, a Tampa Democrat, said her April campaign and committee reports will show $146,600 in contributions for the 21 days she was a candidate last month, putting her […]

Peter SchorschApril 23, 2018

Tampa Republican Sen. Dana Young is holding a campaign kickoff fundraiser Tuesday for her re-election to Senate District 18. Young’s event is set for 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on April 24 at the Tampa Yacht & Country Club, 5320 Interbay Boulevard. Those looking to attend are encouraged to send an email to Kristin Lamb […]

Drew WilsonApril 17, 2018

Democrat Bob Buesing said Tuesday that he is ending his campaign to unseat Tampa Republican Sen. Dana Young and throwing his support behind House Minority Leader Janet Cruz. The Tampa attorney announced his exit to the South Tampa Democratic Club Tuesday evening, ending speculation of if or when he would step aside in favor of […]

Drew WilsonApril 10, 2018

Tampa Republican Sen. Dana Young said Tuesday that she’s raised nearly $1.3 million for her Senate District 18 re-election bid and has $950,000 in the bank. “I am truly honored by the overwhelming support I have received for my re-election campaign for State Senate District 18,” Young said in a press release. “I look forward […]

Drew WilsonApril 10, 2018

It’s official: House Democratic Leader Janet Cruz will challenge Tampa Republican Sen. Dana Young in Senate District 18. The Tampa native announced her bid Tuesday. She joins, for now at least, Tampa attorney Bob Buesing in the Democratic Primary. “I’m running because Tampa Bay families deserve a leader who will fight for them in Tallahassee — not sell them […]

Drew WilsonApril 4, 2018

Tampa Republican Sen. Dana Young could see one re-election challenger swapped for another, according to sources close to the Florida Democratic Party’s Senate campaign arm. Young currently faces Tampa attorney Bob Buesing, who finished second in the four-way race for Senate District 18 in the 2016 cycle, and there are rumors he’s agreed to step […]

Peter SchorschMarch 28, 2018

House Minority Leader Janet Cruz may not be running for the Hillsborough County Commission after all. The Tampa Democrat is eyeing a race against Republican incumbent Dana Young in state Senate District 18, which covers much of Tampa and western unincorporated Hillsborough County. According to several sources close to the Florida Democratic Party’s Senate campaign […]

Tag: Senate District 18

Dana Young’s committee previews another six-figure fundraising month

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

Teacher union touts Janet Cruz as ‘tireless champion’

Janet Cruz raises a lot of money in first weeks of campaign for Senate but Dana Young raises more

It’s on: Dana Young’s fundraiser for Senate re-election is Tuesday

Bob Buesing exits SD 18 race, clearing way for Janet Cruz

Dana Young has $950K on hand for SD 18 re-election

Janet Cruz makes it official: She’s running for Florida Senate

No change of plans (yet) from Bob Buesing

Janet Cruz is eyeing Dana Young’s Senate seat for 2018