Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jacob OglesAugust 13, 2018

Revelations that Republican state House candidate Melissa Howard may have flown to Ohio for a picture with a fake college diploma quickly turned her from a strong political contender to the subject of national ridicule. But amid guffaws at the audacity of this alleged deception, party leaders are quietly wondering, what if Howard still wins […]

Jacob OglesAugust 12, 2018

Former Manatee County Commissioner Jonathan Bruce is calling on Republican state House candidate Melissa Howard to drop out of the running in District 73. The move was prompted by accusations Howard lied about graduating from Miami University in Ohio and then faked her diploma. “What a sad day for integrity in local politics,” Bruce said. […]

Jacob OglesAugust 11, 2018

Story updated at 2:17 p.m. Florida House candidate Melissa Howard’s husband, Ian, suffered a heart attack Friday, sources close to her campaign confirm. The development comes as the Manatee County Republican answers charges she lied about earning a college degree. Lakewood Ranch Medical Center confirms Ian Howard has since been released from the hospital. As for […]

Drew WilsonAugust 10, 2018

House District 73 candidate Melissa Howard says her Republican primary opponent, Tommy Gregory, has been trying to smear her with one lie after another as the pair fight to succeed exiting state Rep. Joe Gruters in the Sarasota-based district. According to Howard, the Gregory campaign has been employing a strategy that is all too common […]

Ryan NicolJuly 31, 2018

Republican attorney Tommy Gregory is out with a new ad touting his service in the U.S. Air Force, as well as endorsements by law enforcement and the National Rifle Association. The 30-second TV spot, titled “Patriot,” was released Tuesday. Gregory is running in House District 73 to replace state Rep. Joe Gruters, who is running for […]

Drew WilsonJuly 10, 2018

The political arm of the Florida Realtors rolled out endorsements Monday for nearly every state legislative election slated for the 2018 ballot. “As Realtors, we pride ourselves on our long-standing efforts to defend private property rights, promote community prosperity and preserve a professional climate that ensures the economic growth of Florida,” said Ann DeFries, chair […]

Drew WilsonJuly 9, 2018

Republican attorney Tommy Gregory is rolling out his first TV ad in the race for Sarasota-based House District 73. The 30-second ad features Gregory’s wife, Erica, outlining his conservative credentials and explaining why she was on board when her husband floated the idea of seeking public office. “When Tommy asked me if he should run for public […]

Drew WilsonJune 28, 2018

Sarasota Republican Melissa Howard announced Thursday that she had earned the backing of Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera in her campaign to succeed Rep. Joe Gruters in House District 73. “Melissa Howard is the business owner, community leader, and conservative champion that will best serve her constituents in District 73. I am pleased to endorse Melissa’s […]

Drew WilsonJune 28, 2018

Republican Tommy Gregory announced Wednesday that Sarasota County Property Appraiser Bill Furst is endorsing his campaign to succeed Rep. Joe Gruters in House District 73. “I’m proud to endorse Tommy Gregory,” said Furst. “There is no question in my mind that he has what it takes to serve us very well in Tallahassee. His leadership background […]

Drew WilsonJune 13, 2018

Tommy Gregory, a Republican candidate for House District 73, threw some serious shade at primary opponent Melissa Howard this week, but it looks like he should double check his sources. At issue is Howard’s party affiliation, not an uncommon avenue of attack in the primary season. Earlier this week, the Gregory campaign alleged that Howard […]

Tag: Tommy Gregory

What if Melissa Howard still wins?

Manatee Co. leader Jonathan Bruce first to call on Melissa Howard to drop out, campaign responds

Melissa Howard’s husband released from hospital as credential controversy engulfs her campaign

Melissa Howard tells Tommy Gregory to ‘stop the lies’

New Tommy Gregory ad highlights Air Force service, NRA endorsement

Florida Realtors make endorsements in 87 legislative races

Tommy Gregory releases first ad for HD 73 campaign

Melissa Howard earns backing of Carlos Lopez-Cantera

Bill Furst endorses Tommy Gregory for HD 73

Melissa Howard rebuts allegation that she’s a former Democrat