Florida election news
- PoliticsWFLA
Florida Democratic senate candidate sees VP Harris buzz impact
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell has noticed the buzz around Vice President Harris is impacting the energy in her senate campaign.
2 min read - USPalm Beach Daily News
Ask us anything on 2024 election, Florida politics! Join our upcoming Reddit AMA
Please join Antonio Fins and Douglas Soule, journalists from the USA TODAY Network-Florida, as they host our upcoming Elections 2024 AMA on Reddit.
1 min read - PoliticsMiami Herald
Here’s who is getting extra attention as Kamala Harris’ running mate search picks up
A Harris campaign spokesman said the VP vetting process has begun “in earnest.”
6 min read - PoliticsMiami Herald
Kamala Harris comes out of the starting gate with a problem with Hispanic voters
National polls show Harris struggling to win the kind of support among Hispanic voters that Democratic candidates have long counted on, but there are recent signs of improvement.
5 min read - PoliticsWJAX
Florida voters to decide whether school board races should become partisan
While marijuana and abortion rights may be getting a lot of attention, there’s another constitutional amendment Florida voters will get to weigh in on this November that could also have some major ramifications.
2 min read - PoliticsWFLA
DeSantis calls Kamala Harris ‘disastrous,’ accuses Democrats of virtue signaling to Hamas
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday said that Kamala Harris's tenure as Vice President was "disastrous" and accused the Democratic Party of virtue signaling to the "Hamas Caucus" while speaking in St. Petersburg.
2 min read - PoliticsMiami Herald
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez floats a run for Florida governor. Does he have a shot?
“Under his leadership, Miami has become one of the most attractive cities in the world,” his spokesperson told the Miami Herald.
9 min read - WorldWFTV
Puerto Rico finalizes details of upcoming referendum on political status amid criticism over cost
Plans to hold a nonbinding referendum on Puerto Rico’s political status came under scrutiny Wednesday for its multimillion-dollar cost as election officials announced the order and description of choices on the upcoming ballot.
3 min read - PoliticsMiami Herald
DeSantis accuses Democrats of virtue signaling to ‘Hamas caucus’ on Harris’ VP pick
The governor predicted Republicans will win in November regardless of who she picks.
2 min read - PoliticsTallahassee Democrat
Kamala Harris won't save Democrats, DeSantis says, predicting Trump victory for president
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis predicted Donald Trump would beat Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race. But he avoided one key topic.
3 min read - OpinionTampa Bay Times, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Yes to Pinellas County’s business tax incentive | A recommendation
Pinellas voters get to weigh in on whether to continue to allow the county to grant tax exemptions to local businesses. In a 2014 referendum, voters passed a similar exemption, which expires in August. We feel the latest exemption is worth supporting. A “yes” vote on the referendum question will allow the county to grant local businesses that create new jobs that pay above the area’s average ...
2 min read - CelebrityMiami Herald
Meme queen? What coconut trees and lime green mean for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign
Singer Charli XCX said on X Sunday that “kamala IS brat,” a powerful compliment for fans who are chronically online.
5 min read - USTampa Bay Times, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Hillsborough schools vs. county commission: Here’s what’s in the lawsuit
The Hillsborough County School District is asking a judge to order the county commission to take action by Aug. 13 on a stalled property tax referendum, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday in Hillsborough Circuit Court. The school board had agreed to put the question, involving a tax of $1 for every $1,000 in taxed property value, before the voters on Nov. 5. The proceeds would boost employee ...
4 min read - OpinionTampa Bay Times, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Six U.S. House races. Six recommendations
The U.S. House of Representatives remains nearly evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats, with Republicans holding a slight edge. House members face numerous challenges, from addressing inflation and immigration to protecting civil liberties, voting rights and the environment. Members are elected to two-year terms and paid $174,000 annually. The primary election is Aug. 20. District ...
13 min read - PoliticsWFLA
Harris will address historically Black sorority as her campaign hopes to win women of color
Voters in Indiana haven't backed a Democratic presidential candidate in nearly 16 years. But when Vice President Kamala Harris heads to the solidly Republican state on Wednesday, she'll speak to a constituency she hopes will turn out for her in massive numbers in November: women of color.
2 min read - PoliticsPensacola News Journal
Did you vote by mail in the 2022 elections? Floridians may need to submit a new request
Many people who submitted requests during the 2022 midterms will need to submit new requests under a new law.
5 min read - USDaytona Beach News-Journal
Challenger for Deltona District 6 seat files lawsuit to have incumbent disqualified
The Volusia County Supervisor of Elections is also named in the lawsuit which questions financial documents submitted by Jody Lee Storozuk.
2 min read - USTampa Bay Times, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Campaign venues inspected by fire officials. Were politics at play?
In April, first-time candidate for office Matt Taylor booked a spot for his June campaign kickoff — Highway Ranch Weddings & Events on 19 acres of farmland in Plant City. That same day, he posted his plans on Facebook. Taylor, who owns a welding and tractor repair business, performs as comedian Matt the Welder and is running for the Hillsborough County Commission, later learned the venue had ...
5 min read - PoliticsWOFL
Republican leaders warn party members to steer clear of racist, sexist attacks on Kamala Harris
Republican leaders are warning party members against using overtly racist and sexist attacks against Vice President Kamala Harris, as they and former President Donald Trump ‘s campaign scramble to adjust to the reality of a new Democratic rival less than four months before Election Day.
7 min read - OpinionTampa Bay Times, St. Petersburg, Fla.
John Legg for Pasco schools superintendent in the Republican primary | Recommendation
Pasco County is one of 41 of the state’s 67 county school districts that elects its superintendent. Kurt Browning is retiring after more than a decade at the helm. The superintendent runs the district, which is the 10th largest in the state. The job pays $172,928 annually. The winner of the Republican primary faces No Party Affiliation candidate Chris Dunning in the Nov. 5 general election. ...
3 min read - PoliticsPalm Beach Daily News
Trump plans to meet with Israeli prime minister, then attend conference in West Palm on Friday
Former President Donald Trump will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, then attend a Charlie Kirk Turning Point USA conference.
5 min read - USThe Florida Times-Union
Mark Woods: Presidential drama dominates everything, but local matters still matter
Presidential drama dominates news, social media and our conversations. But local matters still matter.
4 min read - USPensacola News Journal
Florida's 2024 primary election is less than a month out. What to know in Santa Rosa County
The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming Florida Primary Election has passed. Now it's time to look forward to the election on Aug. 20.
5 min read - USPensacola News Journal
Florida's 2024 primary election is less than a month out. What to know for Escambia County
The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming Florida Primary Election has passed. Now it's time to look forward to the election on Aug. 20.
6 min read - USPensacola News Journal
Write-in candidates in Escambia Commission District 1 race have ties to Jeff Bergosh
Three of the four candidates running against Escambia Commissioner Jeff Bergosh are connected to him. Their presence may split the vote in his favor.
10 min read - USTCPalm | Treasure Coast Newspapers
Martin County School Board incumbent Marsha Powers faces Sydney Thomas on Aug. 20 ballot
In the nonpartisan Martin County School District 2 race, incumbent Marsha Powers will face Sydney Thomas in the Aug. 20 Florida Primary election.
6 min read - USFlorida Today
Four candidates vie for District 4 seat on Brevard's school board: Here's what to know
Three new candidates are facing off against incumbent Matt Susin for the D4 seat on Brevard's school board.
10 min read - USTCPalm | Treasure Coast Newspapers
Here's who's running for St. Lucie County property appraiser in Aug. 20 Republican primary
In fast-growing St. Lucie County, property valuations indirectly affect property taxes and can trickle down to the rents landlords charge.
3 min read - USThe News-Press
Cindy Banyai challenges incumbent Liston Bochette for Fort Myers' Ward 4 City Council seat
In Fort Myers' scenic Ward 4, which includes downtown and the McGregor Boulevard corridor, incumbent Lin Bochette faces challenger Cindy Banyai
1 min read - USThe News-Press
Three in Florida House 77 compete to represent some of Lee's working class neighborhoods
Issues in the district range from growth management and planning to septic-to-sewer needs and transportation infrastructure.
3 min read - USThe News-Press
Incumbent to face inexperienced politician in Florida Senate District 33 race
The candidates may face issues ranging from population growth, development and water quality to abortion, marijuana and education policy.
1 min read - USThe News-Press
Cape Coral Democrat Kari Lerner challenges Naples Republican Byron Donalds in Dist. 19
Democrat Kari Lerner, a Realtor from Cape Coral, is challenging two-term incumbent Congressman Byron Donalds of Naples for the U.S. District 19 seat
1 min read - USFlorida Today
Brevard commissioners decide not to send Indian River Lagoon half-cent sales tax to a vote this year citing election timing
Although the current half-cent sales tax, advocates for the Indian River Lagoon wanted to see the initiative renewed early.
2 min read - USPalm Beach Daily News
GOP House candidate Gabrielle Fox called out for posting alleged anti-Semitic comments
Gabrielle Fox, a GOP candidate for a state House seat in the central and western part of Palm Beach County, has been called out for making alleged anti-Semitic comments that also have resulted in a veterans group withdrawing its endorsement of her.
6 min read - USDaytona Beach News-Journal
Busy county council reporter weighs in on this year's most important local election
Three strong candidates are challenging Volusia County Council Chairman Jeff Brower in August election. Reporter shares her thoughts on the race.
2 min read - USDaytona Beach News-Journal
Will Jeff Brower's anti-growth crusade sway voters enough to keep him in office?
Incumbent Jeff Brower, Port Orange Mayor Don Burnette, former county council member Deb Denys and business owner Randy Dye face off on Aug. 20.
11 min read - USDaytona Beach News-Journal
How to know who to vote for in the Volusia County Council race: Just follow the money.
County Council Chair Jeff Brower won election on an anti-growth platform in 2020. Will deep pocketed pro-development interests unseat him?
3 min read - PoliticsWFLA
‘It is a serious matter’: AKA’s, local Republicans speak on VP Harris’ likely presidential run
The presumptive Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, received the endorsement of two key democrats.
2 min read - USWFLA
‘It’s not right’: Hillsborough school board sues commission over tax measure
Hillsborough County Superintendent Van Ayres took legal action against the Hillsborough County Commission amid a fight over a proposed property tax increase to help fund teacher salaries.
2 min read - USWJAX
Opposition campaign headed by DeSantis allies seeks to defeat recreational marijuana amendment
You’ve likely seen plenty of ads over the past few months supporting Amendment 3, which would legalize recreational marijuana in Florida, but soon you can expect to see ads on the airwaves sending the opposite message.
2 min read - USTampa Bay Times, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Hillsborough schools OK lawsuit against county over teacher pay tax
The Hillsborough County School District got the permission it needed on Tuesday to take the county commission to court over a proposed property tax that would increase teacher pay. District leaders want to compel the county to reverse a July 17 decision that blocked a tax referendum from appearing before voters on Nov. 5. A 4-3 county commission majority voted to postpone the referendum for ...
4 min read - USWJAX
Florida's US Senate candidates hit the campaign trail in Northeast Florida
The August Primary is less than a month away and both likely nominees for one of Florida’s US Senate seats have been making the trips to Jacksonville to spread their messages in recent weeks.
2 min read - USThe St. Augustine Record
With primary elections coming next month in St. Johns County, here's what you need to know
Is your information up to date? Have you seen your sample ballot? Do you need to request a mail-in ballot? Here's what St. Johns voters need to know.
4 min read - PoliticsWFLA
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor endorses Harris for president
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor announced Tuesday that she is endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for president.
1 min read - USTallahassee Democrat
'The gloves are off': Accusations fly, campaigns get ugly ahead of Tallahassee primary
The attacks and counter-attacks drew many eyeballs and reactions on Facebook and Twitter and prompted a mix of condemnation and kudos from residents.
7 min read - USOrlando Sentinel
‘Barriers can be shattered’: Orange Dems praise Harris, vow to compete in Fla.
Orange County Democrats said Tuesday that Vice President Kamala Harris’ historic bid for president would reinvigorate voters in Central Florida and across the state. “Florida is in play,” said Orange Democratic chair Samuel Vilchez Santiago at an event at a local union hall in Orlando, echoing the views of state Democratic leaders on Monday who quickly rallied behind Harris as their preferred ...
4 min read - PoliticsWFLA
‘Kamala IS Brat’: Pop music edits give Harris presidential campaign unexpected boost
Kamala Harris' bid to become the next president of the United States is being fueled by one of the most surprising social media phenomenons: pop music edits.
2 min read - PoliticsMiami Herald
Trump to headline conservative Turning Point Action conference in West Palm Beach
He will speak on Friday
2 min read - USOrlando Sentinel
Seminole voters to decide on additional protections for rural area, natural lands
Seminole voters will decide in November if it should be tougher for developers to remove property from the county’s protected rural area and whether to strengthen protections for its natural lands. “If they pass, they will continue to enhance the natural lands and conservation areas in the county and preserve the rural area that so many residents support,” resident Marilyn Crotty said to ...
3 min read - USWJAX
US Senator Rick Scott announces new Veterans Coalition in Jacksonville
Florida Republican US Senator Rick Scott was in Jacksonville Tuesday to announce a new coalition aimed at shoring up the support of veterans ahead of the November election.
2 min read - PoliticsNaples Daily News
Will Collier, Lee County DNC delegates support Harris at the convention?
Jane Schlechtweg and Julius Simmons will be delegates to national convention. They back Kamala Harris.
4 min read - PoliticsTampa Bay Times, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Republican Pinellas County Commission candidate bows out
David Scott Leatherwood, one of two Republicans vying for a Pinellas County Commission seat, is bowing out of the race. Leatherwood, a filmmaker and social media influencer who had won endorsements from prominent Republicans, both local and national, made the announcement in a Facebook post late Monday night. In an interview Tuesday with the Tampa Bay Times, he said being a first-time ...
3 min read - USOrlando Sentinel
GOP stalwart faces 2 challengers in costly Orlando-area Senate race
ORLANDO, Fla. — Two political newcomers are challenging a Republican stalwart with a big home-field advantage as he seeks a promotion to the state’s upper chamber after serving four years in the Florida House. Rep. Keith Truenow of Tavares has the backing of his party’s heavy hitters, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, as he runs for an open Florida Senate seat in Republican-heavy District 13, which ...
5 min read - PoliticsPalm Beach Daily News
FAU-Mainstreet poll: Kamala Harris behind Donald Trump, but by less of a gap than Joe Biden
The poll was conducted before President Joe Biden revealed he would not seek the party's presidential nomination but after last week's Republican National Convention and the shooting at a Trump rally.
3 min read - PoliticsDaytona Beach News-Journal
'We need a third party:' John Morgan calls Kamala Harris endorsement Biden's revenge
Reliable Democratic megadonor John Morgan will not give anymore to the Harris campaign, saying she's too far left and will lose.
4 min read - USWTVT
Hillsborough school board sues county commission over teacher pay referendum ballot measure delay
Hillsborough County school leaders voted to take legal action against county commissioners on Tuesday afternoon after a millage referendum was struck from the November ballot.
4 min read - USWFLA
Democratic primary challenger calls on ousted State Attorney Andrew Warren to drop out
The Democratic primary challenger for the Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office sent a letter Monday evening to ousted State Attorney Andrew Warren, calling on him to drop out of the primary.
2 min read - PoliticsMiami Herald
Does Kamala Harris’ run for president throw a wrench in Gavin Newsom’s plans for 2028?
Gavin Newsom has spent the past two years swatting down rumors and questions about running for president.
4 min read - PoliticsMiami Herald
NC has been a swing state in 2024 election. Is that still the case with Biden’s exit?
President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and their surrogates have made regular visits to North Carolina since the beginning of the 2024 campaign season. What happens now?
5 min read - OpinionTampa Bay Times, St. Petersburg, Fla.
A tough call on the Pinellas commission race for Republicans. A recommendation.
UPDATE: David Scott Leatherwood announced that he is withdrawing, leaving only Vince Nowicki in the race. The seven-member Pinellas County Commission oversees a budget of nearly $4 billion. Commissioners serve four-year terms and are paid $119,439 a year. The Republican showdown to represent District 3 is the only Pinellas commission race on the Aug. 20 primary ballot. The winner takes on ...
2 min read - USTallahassee Democrat
Laurie Lawson Cox nabs Gov. DeSantis endorsement for Leon County School Board reelection
In 2022, Gov. Ron DeSantis supported Laurie Lawson Cox "behind the scenes." She says he will be doing the same thing this election season.
2 min read - USDaytona Beach News-Journal
NSB mayoral, commission candidate forum draws 200 residents; topics included flooding, growth
All seven City Commission and mayoral candidates participated in the event, organized by the New Smyrna Beach Residents' Coalition.
9 min read - USFlorida Today
Amber Yantz and John Thomas to face off in August for D3 seat on Brevard's school board
John Thomas and Amber Yantz are running for the D3 seat on the school board. The election will be decided in August.
6 min read - USThe News-Press
Unchallenged Kevin Ruane automatically reelected to Lee County District 1 commission post
First elected in 2020 after more than a decade as Sanibel's mayor, Lee Commissioner Kevin Ruane will keep his District 1 seat since no one challenged him
1 min read - USOrlando Sentinel
GOP stalwart faces two challengers in costly Orlando-area Senate race
Two political newcomers are challenging a Republican stalwart with a big home-field advantage as he seeks a promotion to the state’s upper chamber after serving four years in the Florida House. Rep. Keith Truenow of Tavares has the backing of his party’s heavy hitters, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, as he runs for an open Florida Senate seat in Republican-heavy District 13, which includes all of ...
5 min read - USHerald-Tribune
Sarasota School Board elections: Karen Rose and Liz Barker face off for District 2 seat
In what could be seen as a referendum on the Sarasota School Board leadership, the incumbent board chairwoman faces reelection against a local mother.
6 min read - PoliticsWFLA
‘Florida is on fire for Kamala Harris’: Tampa Bay Democrats push ahead
"I know yesterday's news is surprising, and it's hard for you to hear," President Joe Biden said phoning in from his home in Delaware to Vice President Kamala Harris' new campaign headquarters.
2 min read - PoliticsWJAX
Jacksonville leaders react to VP Kamala Harris running for president
Local leaders are speaking out about Democrats rallying behind Vice President Kamla Harris. Officials from both parties told Action News Jax Annette Gutierrez they saw President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out coming.
2 min read - PoliticsWTVT
Vice President Harris takes control of Democratic Party in presidential run
Florida Democrats are throwing their support behind Vice President Kamala Harris as she is on track to become the party's presidential candidate. It comes after President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign Sunday after members of his own party urged him to step aside.
3 min read - PoliticsOrlando Sentinel
Florida Dems close ranks behind VP Harris for presidential nomination
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Democrats, from members of Congress to college students, are enthusiastic in their support of Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s nominee for president and predict her candidacy could even put the Sunshine State back in play. “We know Florida will be playing a major role in what happens next,” Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said during a zoom ...
5 min read - PoliticsThe Ledger
Some Polk Democrats draw optimism from prospect of Harris replacing Biden
Democrats in Polk County expressed both shock and relief at news that President Joe Biden had ended his campaign and endorsed Kamala Harris.
8 min read - USNaples Daily News
Collier school board candidate's newsletter targeted two moms. Now, they want answers
A photo taken from a Collier County parent's Facebook page was used in school board candidate Pam Cunningham's campaign. The women are perplexed
4 min read - USPalm Beach Daily News
Trump returns to Mar-a-Lago as road closure, increased security take effect in Palm Beach
An indefinite road closure and more protections around Mar-a-Lago took effect Saturday morning, just hours before Trump returned to Palm Beach.
2 min read - PoliticsWFLA
How will President Biden dropping out impact the Nov. ballot in Florida?
With weeks to go before November general election ballots need to be printed, Polk County’s supervisor of elections said there is time to get the Democratic presidential nominee on the ballot.
2 min read - PoliticsWFLA
Harris breaks donation record, claims over half of her needed delegates
Vice President Kamala Harris had a busy 24 hours after being endorsed as the Democratic presidential candidate by President Joe Biden.
22 min read - USTCPalm | Treasure Coast Newspapers
Will Biden's withdrawal from race complicate elections, printing of ballots locally?
President Joe Biden's decision not to seek reelection left many shocked, but does it affect local supervisor of elections for the Treasure Coast?
3 min read - PoliticsMiami Herald
In first public remarks, Kamala Harris praises Joe Biden, doesn’t talk presidential campaign
“Joe Biden’s legacy of accomplishment over the past three years is unmatched in modern history,” Harris started.
1 min read - PoliticsMiami Herald
Nine out of 10 Florida Democratic delegates back Kamala Harris after Biden exit, party says
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said more than 230 of the state’s 254 delegates to the Democratic National Convention have pledged to support Harris for their party’s presidential nomination.
2 min read - PoliticsMiami Herald
Do Republicans see Kamala Harris as easy to beat?
Would Kamala Harris be a tougher opponent than Joe Biden?
4 min read