Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschNovember 1, 2016

New campaign finance reports are in and Democrats are still holding strong in two of Orlando’s three Senate seats, though Republican Realtor Dean Asher is still in a strong position in the Senate District 13 race. Asher added another $25,000 to his campaign account and spent just $5,500, leaving him with a little over $92,000 […]

Staff ReportsOctober 25, 2016

There’s a strong possibility Democrats could sweep all three Orlando Senate seats, though Republican Dean Asher is still far ahead in the Senate District 13 money race. The Orlando Realtor brought in another $11,250 between Oct. 8 and Oct. 14 and spent about $69,000, leaving his campaign with about $73,000 on hand. His committee, “Allegiant […]

Scott PowersAugust 18, 2016

Three sitting state representatives and one former state representative have received endorsements from the Orlando Sentinel for Florida Senate primary races in Central Florida. Citing experience in each case, the Sentinel went with state Reps. Randolph Bracy in Orlando-based Senate District 11; Marlene O’Toole in The Villages-based Senate District 12; and Vic Torres in Orlando-based Senate […]

Peter SchorschMay 17, 2016

With April in the books, Democrats look to be in control in at least two of the three Orange County Senate seats up for grabs this year, though Republicans have a firm grip on most of Central Florida’s House seats. In Senate District 11, Democratic State Rep. Randolph Bracy is still on top in the four-way primary for […]

Jim RosicaMay 2, 2016

State Sen. Darren Soto is adding his name to the growing list of state lawmakers objecting to the closing of a prisoner re-entry program in Broward County. Soto, an Orlando Democrat, wrote Friday to Corrections Secretary Julie Jones to say he was “troubled by this decision” because he is a “strong proponent of these types of facilities and programs.” […]

Phil AmmannApril 18, 2016

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. Off: John Hinchee has stepped down as legislative assistant for Longwood Republican Rep. Scott Plakon. On: Jervonte Edmonds will be Plakon’s new assistant. Off: Bryan Roberts is no longer district secretary for Opa […]

Drew WilsonMarch 28, 2016

Orlando Democrat Vic Torres will face a primary challenger in his campaign to move from the House to the newly redrawn Senate District 15 seat. Bob Healy Jr. filed for the seat at the end of February and is so far the only candidate challenging Torres for the Democratic-leaning seat. Healy is a former board […]

Drew WilsonMarch 11, 2016

In a last-day-of-session email blast, the Florida branch of the Service Employees International Union told state legislators that their actions “will cost them at the ballot box.” The labor union was pushing for an increase in the minimum wage to $15 an hour, and said it will come after lawmakers who didn’t pay attention by “throwing its 55,000-member […]

Ryan RayJuly 8, 2015

Rumors surrounding U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson and his designs on the Senate seat Marco Rubio will soon vacate are nothing new. But with word spreading that the self-proclaimed “Congressman with Guts” will officially announce Thursday efforts to prepare for the electoral domino effect he’ll set in motion are gaining a new urgency. Grayson’s decision to give up a coveted seat in the […]

Phil AmmannDecember 18, 2014

House Democratic Leader Mark Pafford and Democratic Leader pro tempore Mia Jones announced today additional caucus leaders for the 2015-16 legislative session. Serving as Policy Advisor is state Rep. Lori Berman from Palm Beach County’s House District 90. She will work with the Policy Chair to lead the caucus Policy Committee and subcommittees. Berman, an […]

Tag: Vic Torres

Here’s where the money chase stands in Orlando’s legislative races

Here’s where sh*t stands in Orlando’s legislative races

Randolph Bracy, Marlene O’Toole, Mike Clelland, Vic Torres get Sentinel endorsements in Florida Senate races

Update on the money race in Central Florida legislative races

Darren Soto “troubled” by Broward program shutdown

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Orlando Democrat Vic Torres draws primary challenge in SD 15 contest

Email Insights: SEIU says lawmakers will pay in 2016 for failure to raise minimum wage

Alan Grayson Senate bid will tip political dominoes in Central Florida

Florida House Democrats fill more leadership positions for 2015