Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschAugust 27, 2016

Top Senate Republicans brought in big hauls through their political committees over the past two weeks, according to newly filed finance reports. Between Aug. 13 and Aug. 25, Fort Myers Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto raised $142,500 through her “Protect Florida Families” committee, including $50,000 checks from Trilby Sen. Wilton Simpson’s “Jobs for Florida” committee and Sen. Bill Galvano’s […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterAugust 9, 2016

Senate Republicans are racking up frequent flier miles this summer. The Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee is holding a fundraiser in New York City on Wednesday. The event includes a VIP reception at the The London NYC, a luxury hotel in the heart of New York City, and a private dinner at A Voce, a […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJune 24, 2016

You might want to call them instant winners. As of 5 p.m. Friday, a dozen Florida Senate candidates appeared to win their elections when the qualifying period ended without them drawing opposition. Newcomers Lauren Book and George Gainer were among those candidates who did not draw an opponent. Gainer, a Bay County Republican, ran unopposed […]

Jim RosicaJune 24, 2016

Wilton Simpson will return to the state Senate next year. By the end of qualifying Friday, the Trilby Republican had gotten no opposition for the Senate District 10 seat. He now represents Senate District 18, but the political boundaries changed this year because of redistricting. Redistricting could have forced a primary challenge from GOP Sen. John […]

Drew WilsonJune 7, 2016

George Gainer, Lauren Book and incumbent Sen. David Simmons continued to coast in fundraising last month, according to newly filed campaign finance reports. Simmons raised $126,072 last month, which accounts for more than half of the money the Altamonte Springs Republican has raised since filing for re-election back in September. Among the 213 contributions were […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 24, 2016

Make sure you understand the law. That’s the message Sen. Wilton Simpson sent to the business community Monday. In a memo to business leaders, the Trilby Republican said businesses that have contracts with local or state government “need to understand the change that was made to the public records law.” Under a new law signed […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 4, 2016

Kathleen Passidomo can add members of the Senate’s future leadership to her list of supporters. Senate Majority Leader Bill Galvano, Sen. Wilton Simpson, and House Majority Whip Jim Boyd are scheduled to host a fundraiser for Passidomo’s Senate District 28 bid on June 21 in Bradenton. Both Galvano, a Bradenton Republican, and Simpson, a Trilby […]

Peter SchorschApril 19, 2016

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Tampa Republican Rep. Dana Young announced she would kick off her campaign for Senate District 18 with a fundraiser May 3. The event will be held from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 1601 South MacDill Ave. For more information, or to RSVP for the event, contact Sydney Ridley at [email protected]. The House Majority Leader […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterApril 14, 2016

The Florida Keys will get a little boost thanks to a bill signed into law this week. Gov. Rick Scott signed The Florida Keys Stewardship Act into law Thursday. The bill, sponsored by Sens. Wilton Simpson and Anitere Flores, and Rep. Holly Raschein, was one of 20 bills Scott signed into law. “The Florida Keys […]

Jim RosicaApril 5, 2016

A group of Florida Senate Republicans, including two future presidents of that chamber, on Tuesday endorsed state Rep. Dana Young‘s run for an open Tampa seat, according to a news release. Young, the outgoing House Republican leader, was endorsed by Senate President-designate Joe Negron of Stuart, Senate Republican Leader Bill Galvano of Bradenton (expected to succeed Negron as president), […]

Tag: Wilton Simpson
One of several proposed designs for Florida's new Margaritaville license plates. Image via the office of Rep. Linda Chaney.

Republican Senate leaders raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in run up to primary elections

Florida Senate GOP raising money Wednesday in Big Apple

Instant winners aplenty in Florida Senate races

With no opposition, Wilton Simpson automatically returns to state Senate

Senate campaigns of David Simmons, Lauren Book, George Gainer post impressive May fundraising reports

Wilton Simpson urges contractors to study updated public records law

Future Senate leadership lining up behind Kathleen Passidomo

Dana Young launching Senate bid with Tampa kickoff event May 3

Rick Scott signs the Florida Keys Stewardship Act

Senate leaders endorse Dana Young for SD 18