Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersAugust 24, 2017

As Orange County Democrats wait for the chance to name a replacement for Paul Chandler to run in the Oct. 10 special election to fill the House District 44 seat they may yet face a challenge on that candidate’s eligibility. On Thursday, at a forum hosted by the Tiger Bay Club of Central Florida, the […]

Scott PowersAugust 24, 2017

As Democratic party officials await the chance to name a replacement candidate for the House District 44 special election in October, a candidate has filed to run for that seat when it’s up next year for a full term. Dawn Marie Antonis, 51, of Winter Garden, filed late Wednesday as a Democrat to run in […]

Scott PowersAugust 22, 2017

Ex-Democratic House District 44 candidate Paul Chandler said late Tuesday he had no intention of withdrawing from the race and was confident he could win both a legal challenge and the special election itself — until state party officials whom he said had never supported him threatened to sabotage his campaign if he didn’t quit. […]

Scott PowersJune 20, 2017

With the noon closing bell on ballot qualifying, House District 44 is left with four Republicans and one Democrat qualifying for a special election that could determine far more than who represents western Orange County in the Florida Legislature. The Republican primary election will be Aug. 15. The general election will be Oct. 10. This […]

Scott PowersApril 20, 2017

Republican state Sen. David Simmons sharply condemned racist and vulgar comments made earlier this week by state Sen. Frank Artiles. The behavior is nothing new, Simmons said, but he puts his faith in the Senate’s due process to determine a judgment by the body. Simmons, of Altamonte Springs, then suggested that Artiles’ behavior might be […]

Scott PowersMarch 29, 2017

Orlando’s embattled state Attorney Aramis Ayala accused the Florida Legislature of threatening the public safety and economic health of Central Florida by proposing budget cuts of at least $1.3 million to her office. The Florida House Judicial Appropriations Subcommittee unveiled a budget Tuesday that would cut that much from the Office of the State Attorney […]

Scott PowersMarch 21, 2017

The Orange County Democratic Party announced late Tuesday its executive committee has unanimously backed Orlando State Attorney Aramis Ayala‘s decision to not pursue the death penalty in Florida’s 9th Judicial Circuit. Orange County Democratic Chairman Wes Hodge said more than 200 people attended the Monday night meeting at which the committee passed two resolutions; one […]

Scott PowersDecember 3, 2016

Political operative Wes Hodge was elected Saturday as the new chair of the Orange County Democrats after laying out a detailed platform for. Hodge was elected by acclimation after his opponent, longtime Orange County Democratic activist Lonnie Thompson withdrew and threw his support behind Hodge while paper ballots from their contest were being counted. Hodge […]

Tag: Wes hodge

Eligibility of Democrat for HD 44 special election might yet be challenged

Democrat Dawn Antonis files to run for HD 44 in 2018

Paul Chandler: I didn’t jump off HD 44 race, I was pushed

Four Republicans, one Democrat qualify to run in HD 44 special election

David Simmons condemns Frank Artiles comments; calls for due process, suggests PTSD might be factor

Aramis Ayala slams proposed budget cuts as threatening public safety in Central Florida

Orange County Democratic Party unanimously backs Aramis Ayala

Orange County Dems pick Wes Hodge as new chair