Politics
Andy Thomson Flips Boca Raton Mayoral Seat, Marking First Democratic-Aligned Victory in Over 30 Years
Published
3 months agoon
By
Willie DavidBOCA RATON, Fla. (FNN) — Andy Thomson has won the race to become the next mayor of Boca Raton, marking a major political shift in the South Florida city. According to Democratic leaders, the victory represents the first time in more than 30 years that the mayoral seat has been held by a Democratic-aligned candidate.
National Democrats also highlighted the win as part of a broader trend in recent elections. Party officials say Democrats have either won or exceeded expectations in roughly 90% of key races since Donald Trump was elected president.
The victory follows another recent Democratic gain in South Florida, when Eileen Higgins won the mayoral race in Miami last year.
DNC ORGANIZING EFFORTS BACKED THOMSON CAMPAIGN
The Democratic National Committee supported Thomson’s campaign through Election Day with voter outreach and organizing efforts aimed at boosting turnout in Boca Raton.
According to party officials, the DNC launched an organizing blitz that recruited volunteers and supported get-out-the-vote (GOTV) operations. The effort included contacting thousands of voters across the city ahead of Election Day.
The DNC’s voter protection team also partnered with the Florida Democratic Party to assist the campaign with ballot-curing efforts during the final days of vote counting.
DNC CHAIR PRAISES VICTORY
Following the election, Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, praised Thomson’s campaign and framed the result as a warning sign for Republicans in Florida.
“When you organize everywhere, you can win anywhere — including here in Florida,” Martin said in a statement. “Mayor-elect Andy Thomson ran a strong campaign focused on the issues that matter most to Boca Raton voters, from the rising cost of groceries and gas to the health care crisis Donald Trump and his allies unleashed.”
Martin added that the outcome signals voter frustration with Republican policies in the state.
“This win is another warning sign to Florida Republicans that voters are fed up with their out-of-touch agenda that is making communities like Boca Raton unaffordable,” he said.
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Florida
Joe Strada Loans Campaign $5 Million, Launches $1 Million Ad Buy in Congressional District 11
Published
10 hours agoon
June 16, 2026The ad was produced by political strategist Brad Herold of Something Else Strategies and marks the first major media investment of the campaign.
$5 MILLION PERSONAL LOAN TO CAMPAIGN
Strada, founder of Strada Services, announced last week that he had loaned his congressional campaign $5 million, providing the campaign with substantial financial resources early in the election cycle.
Strada Services is one of the nation’s largest privately held, family-owned companies specializing in air conditioning, electrical, security, and plumbing services.
The campaign said the loan and advertising investment demonstrate Strada’s commitment to communicating directly with voters throughout Central Florida.
FIRST MAJOR MEDIA PUSH
The $1 million advertising effort is expected to reach voters across Florida’s 11th Congressional District through a combination of television, radio, and digital media platforms.
The campaign has positioned Strada as a conservative outsider and successful entrepreneur focused on bringing private-sector experience to Washington.
Additional details regarding future advertising and campaign events are expected in the coming weeks.
ABOUT FLORIDA’S 11TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Florida’s 11th Congressional District includes portions of Central Florida and is expected to be one of the state’s closely watched congressional races during the 2026 election cycle.
Florida
Republican Rep. Paula Stark Disqualified From Ballot, Giving Democrats Opportunity to Flip House District 47
Published
4 days agoon
June 13, 2026OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Rep. Paula Stark has been disqualified from seeking reelection in Florida House District 47 after failing to satisfy candidate qualifying requirements before the noon Friday filing deadline.
According to state election records, Stark’s candidacy was disqualified due to a deficiency involving required financial disclosure filings, commonly referred to as Form 6. Florida law requires candidates for legislative office to timely submit all qualifying documents, including financial disclosure forms, to appear on the ballot.
Form 6 Financial Disclosure Requirement
Form 6 is a public financial disclosure document required for state elected officials and candidates. The form requires candidates to disclose assets, liabilities, sources of income, and other financial interests.
The disclosure includes a sworn certification stating: “Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing Form 6 and that the facts stated in it are true.”
Candidates are required to complete, sign and timely file the disclosure as part of Florida’s qualifying process. Failure to properly file required qualifying documents, including Form 6, by the statutory deadline can result in disqualification from the ballot.
Democrats Advance to Primary Election
With Stark removed from contention, Democrats now have an opportunity to capture the Republican-held seat in House District 47.
The only candidates remaining in the race are:
- Jorge Figueroa, President of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
- Anthony Nieves, a state investigator
The two Democrats will compete in the Aug. 18 Democratic Primary, with the winner becoming Representative-Elect.
House District 47 covers portions of Osceola County and has been represented by Stark since her election to the Florida House.
The disqualification was among the most notable developments of Florida’s 2026 candidate qualifying period and significantly alters the political landscape in a district Republicans had hoped to retain.
Central Florida News
State Rep. Bruce Antone Wins Reelection Unopposed
Published
4 days agoon
June 12, 2026By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Bruce Antone has won reelection to the Florida House after qualifying for the 2026 election cycle without opposition.
Antone, who represents portions of Orange County, remains the longest-serving Democratic state lawmaker in Orange County and one of the most senior members of Florida’s Democratic legislative delegation.
Following his reelection, Antone thanked supporters in a statement posted on Facebook.
“Today, I was reelected to the Florida House of Representatives. I didn’t have any opposition. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during my time and tenure in the Florida House of Representatives,” Antone wrote.
Under Florida election law, candidates who qualify for office without opposition are automatically elected and do not appear on the ballot.
Antone will begin another term in the Florida House as lawmakers prepare for the 2027 Legislative Session in Tallahassee.
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