Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryMarch 19, 2017

Florida Democratic Party Chairman Stephen Bittel walked into political version of a lion’s den over the weekend in Tampa and came out it not only unscathed, but maybe even a bit emboldened. “That was a warmer greeting than I was expecting,” the recently-elected leader said in reaction to the modest applause that he received after he was […]

Mitch PerryMarch 13, 2017

An official with the Florida Democratic Party says that while the search to find a successor to Scott Arceneaux as executive director of the Florida Democratic Party does include Jonathan Ducote and Josh Wolf, it is by no means limited to those two candidates. Juan Penalosa, who is working with newly elected FDP Chair Stephen Bittel on his transition team, tells FloridaPolitics […]

Darryl PaulsonFebruary 27, 2017

Democrats in Florida and at the national level have a similar problem. In both cases, there are more Democratic voters than Republicans, but in both cases, the Republican candidates have trounced the Democrats. Between 2009 and 2016, which coincides with the terms of Barack Obama as president, Democratic candidates suffered heavier casualties than many military […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 24, 2017

We admit it; we love a good newsletter. So with 10 new members in the congressional delegation, a part-time #FloridaMan in the White House, and plenty of Sunshine State connections to the Beltway, we thought it was about time to launch our own newsletter diving into D.C. Welcome to “The Delegation,” Florida Politics’ weekly roundup […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 15, 2017

Among the attributes that supporters of Coconut Grove developer Stephen Bittel offered in the race to become the new chairman of the Florida Democratic Party was his talent for fundraising. In listing his slate of accomplishments one month into his tenure, the FDP issued a statement on Wednesday touting that he has raised half a million […]

Scott PowersJanuary 24, 2017

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The first shoe has fallen in newly-elected chairman Stephen Bittel‘s reorganization of the Florida Democratic Party with executive director Scott Arceneaux on his way out. The party announced Tuesday that Arceneaux, who has served in that role through the tenures of three previous state party chairs, is stepping down, though not immediately. When Bittel won a […]

Joe HendersonJanuary 17, 2017

Over the weekend, Florida Democrats elected Miami rich guy Stephen Bittel to lead their party. The choice was controversial and left many members screaming that Bittel is the wrong man at the wrong time. They have their reasons, I guess. But, let me ask a simple question: Whom would be the right person? The political […]

Brendan FarringtonJanuary 15, 2017

The state Republican and Democratic parties met two miles from each other Saturday, their first meetings since Donald Trump carried Florida in November’s election, but the atmosphere and enthusiasm were worlds apart. As both parties chose their leaders, it was easy to see which has more confidence heading into an election cycle when the governor’s […]

Scott PowersJanuary 14, 2017

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Newly-elected Florida Democratic Party Chair Stephen Bittel isn’t the kind of guy who shies away from a fight. And judging by his resounding victory Saturday, after a nasty campaign against four other candidates for the Party leadership, he doesn’t fight to lose. “Contentious elections are reflective that there are Democrats all over Florida that are passionate, committed to […]

Scott PowersJanuary 14, 2017

Longtime Florida Democratic leader Alan Clendenin is back in the running for the party’s state chairmanship after winning an overwhelming vote to reject a committee’s ruling from Friday night that had disqualified him. Clendenin’s candidacy for the state chair was restored after he made a “you know me” speech Saturday morning to the Florida Democratic […]

Tag: Stephen Bittel

Stephen Bittel concedes to Florida progressives – ‘it will take time for you to trust me’

Search for Florida Democratic Party’s next Executive Director continues

Groundhog Day for Democrats: Selecting the Party chair

Introducing FloridaPolitics.com’s latest newsletter: ‘The Delegation’

Newly-minted Florida Democrats leader Stephen Bittel says he’s raised $500,000 in first month on the job

Scott Arceneaux out as Florida Democrats’ chief

Stephen Bittel for Florida Democrats, what do you have to lose?

Tale of 2 parties: Florida GOP high, Dems low ahead of 2018

Stephen Bittel promises rapid growth as new Florida Democratic Party chief

Alan Clendenin wins appeal to seek Democrats’ state chair