Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterDecember 28, 2016

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam raised more than $2 million in 2016, boosting his war chest ahead of a likely 2018 gubernatorial bid. State records show Florida Grown, Putnam’s political committee, raised more than $2.3 million through Nov. 30. The committee has raised more than $6.3 million since February 2015, according to state campaign finance records. […]

Tom JacksonDecember 23, 2016

Like comedy, politics is most often all about timing. No one knows this better than Will Weatherford, who at the age of 26 rocketed from obscure legislative aide to Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives because of unanticipated, but perfectly placed, events (more about which in a moment). Now, arguably, this once-rising star of […]

Jim RosicaDecember 22, 2016

Former Senate President Don Gaetz said he respects Will Weatherford’s decision not to run for governor in 2018, but is “disappointed for Florida.” “I spoke with Will about his decision,” said Gaetz, who presided over the Senate in 2012-14 when Weatherford, a Wesley Chapel Republican, was House Speaker. “One of the attributes of Will Weatherford […]

Joe HendersonDecember 22, 2016

I think Will Weatherford’s just-announced decision not to run for governor in 2018 merely delays the inevitable. I believe he will be Florida’s governor eventually, and that will be a good thing. Weatherford, the Land O’Lakes Republican, is a smart, articulate, center-right conservative in the Jeb Bush tradition. He has a strong legislative resume, including […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterDecember 22, 2016

Will Weatherford is taking a pass on 2018. The former House Speaker said Thursday he won’t run for governor in two years, saying his role in the 2018 gubernatorial election “should be as a private citizen and not as a candidate.” “My focus right now is on raising my family, living out my faith, and […]

Scott PowersDecember 6, 2016

John Morgan has powerful split emotions about the prospect of running for governor in 2018 as a Democrat, and figures he has at least a year to decide. Morgan, the 60-year-old Orlando trial attorney who championed Florida’s Amendment 2 medical marijuana initiative this year, said others – not he – are pushing for him to run for […]

Mitch PerryDecember 5, 2016

Rick Scott is declining to comment on a proposal filed for the 2017 Florida Legislative Session that would repeal a major immigration policy change that he signed into law two years ago. Last week, Sarasota state Senator Greg Steube filed a bill (SB 82) that would repeal legislation approved by the GOP-led Legislature in 2014 that offers lower […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 17, 2016

Jacksonville’s Carlucci family is inextricably linked with Jacksonville history. Joe Carlucci was a councilman from the days of consolidation. Matt Carlucci carried on the family’s tradition of public service, serving three terms on the council, including a stint as president. Now Carlucci is the chairman of the Florida Commission on Ethics. Yet his time there is nearing an […]

Mitch PerryOctober 28, 2016

Emphasizing her centrist political persona while addressing a packed restaurant in South Tampa Friday morning, Gwen Graham said her potential candidacy for governor of Florida in 2018 would be a “transcending of the politics” that currently exists today. “I have heard from so many people who say ‘you’re exactly what the state of Florida needs,'” Graham said at […]

A.G. GancarskiSeptember 30, 2016

Reggie-Fullwood-after-casting-his-vote.-phote-credit-Jeff-Branch-1024x1024.jpg

When State Rep. Reggie Fullwood pleaded guilty to two felony counts in his wire fraud trial Thursday, there were some in Jacksonville who might have been surprised by the Democratic stalwart’s fate. Clearly, those observers didn’t know Jacksonville. Fullwood’s guilty plea was more notable for being in the midst of his re-election campaign than it […]

Tag: Will Weatherford
Crowds gather to see Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. (Gabrielle Russon)

Adam Putnam political committee brings in more than $2.3 million in 2016

Will Weatherford’s timing off, but only for the moment

Don Gaetz is ‘saving his Rolodex’ for Will Weatherford

Will Weatherford’s decision enhances, not removes, future options

Will Weatherford opts out of 2018 gubernatorial bid

John Morgan torn on possible governor run, and in no hurry

Rick Scott declines to comment on proposal to repeal immigration bill he signed in 2014

Matt Carlucci ‘seriously considering’ another run for Jacksonville City Council

Gwen Graham says she’s poised to run a 67-county strategy for governor

Why Duval Democrats may retain Reggie Fullwood’s seat despite his guilty plea