Jacob Ogles

5 days ago | floridapolitics.com | Jacob Ogles

Retired Marine Mike Pedersen is jumping in — literally — to the race to succeed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds. The Cape Coral Republican announced his candidacy in Florida’s 19th Congressional District. He will launch the campaign formally Saturday with a spectacular stunt, skydiving from a WWII C-47 aircraft. He plans to fly with the Phantom Airborne Brigade and land in Lake Dora, northwest of Orlando.

6 days ago | miamitimesonline.com | Jacob Ogles

White smoke in Rome may as well have included plumes of red and blue based on political reaction to electing the first American Pope. Here is how Florida’s political leaders greeted news that Pope Leo XIV, previously Cardinal Robert Prevost, will be the new Vatican head of state. U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, a Naples Republican, posted: “Congratulations to the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV! May God bless him as he leads the Catholic Church.”U.S. Sen.

6 days ago | floridapolitics.com | Jacob Ogles

A poll on the 2026 Governor’s race from a conservative think tank shows Republicans poised to hold the office. That’s the case if GOP Primary voters choose either First Lady Casey DeSantis or U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, the front-runners for the nomination. But the poll from the James Madison Institute suggests Democrats will be significantly hurt if former Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo runs as an independent. Pollsters asked voters about a potential three-way race.

6 days ago | floridapolitics.com | Jacob Ogles

Before leaving the Democratic Party, state Sen. Jason Pizzo appeared in a strong position to win the party’s nomination for Governor. But now, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava holds a significant lead among contenders. A poll from the James Madison Institute (JMI) showed Pizzo leading Democratic contenders for the statewide office. Asked about a Democratic Primary, about 42% of likely voters would vote for Pizzo, far outpacing the 15% backing Levine Cava.

6 days ago | floridapolitics.com | Jacob Ogles

Another poll shows First Lady Casey DeSantis with the slightest edge over U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds in the Republican field for Governor. But the numbers also show high unfavorable ratings as she weighs a run. The James Madison Institute (JMI) published survey results that show the First Lady leading the field of GOP contenders to succeed her husband, Gov. Ron DeSantis. About 29% of likely Republican voters support Casey DeSantis, compared to 28% who favor Donalds. Both far outpace former U.S. Rep.