This Week in South Florida: Ashley Gantt
When you’re incumbent and when you hold an elective office, the chances are generally good that you’ll keep it, unless you do something that angers your constituents. South Florida veteran State Rep. James Bush, a Democrat, finds himself in the crosshairs of his own state party, because he has crossed party lines on some social […]
After drawing progressive ire, James Bush III seeks to repel strong challenge from his left
Democratic Rep. James Bush III of Opa-locka is among Florida’s most enduring politicians. First elected to the House in 1992, the now-retired teacher is serving in his third stint as a state lawmaker. Over his three decades in Tallahassee, Bush, 67, has fostered strong ties both within his party and across the aisle. That’s proven […]
Twisted Florida Ruling Says Pregnant Teen Isn’t ‘Mature’ Enough for Abortion
A Florida appeals court will force a parentless 16-year-old girl to give birth because the teen is not “sufficiently mature” to decide for herself whether or not to terminate the pregnancy. A circuit court judge previously denied the girl’s request to waive a state law requiring minors get parental consent for an abortion. On Monday, […]
State Rep. Skidmore faces political newcomer in new district representing south PBC
A political newcomer is challenging a Democratic state representative in a newly redrawn district covering southwestern Palm Beach County communities. State Rep. Kelly Skidmore of Boca Raton is seeking to continue her tenure in the Florida Legislature by representing District 92, which covers western Boynton Beach, Delray Beach and Boca Raton, between Aberdeen Golf & […]
For a redrawn St. Petersburg, East Hillsborough House seat, a Democratic melee
Two veteran Democrats who have occupied the same House seat are facing off in the August primary for Florida’s House District 62, while a newcomer hoping for his first political win hopes the newly drawn district works in his favor. Read more…
Some 40 years ago, Florida elected its first woman to U.S. Senate. Will Val Demings be the second?
‘It’s taken a lot of time for women to aspire to run for statewide office.’ It’s been about four decades since a Florida woman — Republican Paula Hawkins of the Orlando area — was elected to the U.S. Senate for one term. What followed was a lineup of male-senators-only to represent Florida in the Senate […]
Patricia Hawkins-Williams faces a challenger in fourth-term bid
Redistricting short-circuited the Broward legislator’s plans for a Senate run. After state Rep. Patricia Hawkins-Williams abandoned plans to run for Senate, she’s now ready to face off against a challenger in her race for re-election to the House District 98 seat. Read more…
Primary elections: Four vie for Group 5 Democratic Port of Palm Beach seat
Although it gets little fanfare, the Port of Palm Beach is a potent economic powerhouse, generating $260 million in business revenue and $12 million in state and federal taxes. It employs 56 people, and along with its tenants, supports more than 3,800 direct jobs. Read more…
Raquel Pacheco blasts Tallahassee’s ‘broken political system’ in new digital ad for SD 36
‘Higher insurance premiums, delays in gas tax cuts, divisive agendas — this is what Tallahassee has done for you.’ A new digital ad highlighting Democratic candidate Raquel Pacheco’s immigrant origins, military service and community work is now circulating to help sway Senate District 36 voters into choosing her over her incumbent Republican opponent. Read more…
Endorsement: Patricia Hawkins-Williams for Florida House, District 98
The Sun Sentinel recommends that voters in House District 98 keep Rep. Patricia Hawkins-Williams. Read more…