Politics

First Republican Presidential Debate 2023: Winners and Losers

Published

3 years ago

August 24, 2023

MILWAUKEE, Wi. (FNN) — The first Republican Presidential Primary Debate was held last night in the heartland of the Midwest. In the past two elections, Wisconsin has been a battleground state like no other, which only makes it right that the Republican candidates hungry to consolidate some momentum and put in their best effort in an attempt to swing the polls.

Now, with first blood drawn, it’s time to recap the strongest performances of the night as we look towards more policy debates (and mudslinging) to come.

Winners

Nikki Haley

Say what you will about Nikki Haley’s rise to prominence within the Republican Party, but last night was a turning-of-the-head moment for her in this campaign. For all the flack that seasoned politicians have been getting when it comes to their corruption within politics, Haley’s comments criticizing both left- and right-wing policies were a breath of fresh air.

Not to mention her Kodak moments ripping into Vivek and schooling him in relation to foreign policy. When it came to our understanding of allies on the world stage, Haley’s politics were the most comprehensive of any candidate. She will undoubtedly make this her anchor for the rest of her campaign. In an attempt to get one over as the lone woman in an all-boys club, this is her best path to victory.

Mike Pence

Undoubtedly one of the biggest performers of last night. At first, Pence’s opening statements seemed a little fumbled and misconstrued when he talked down on Vivek Ramaswamy’s experience. Even still, Pence and the moderators did a good job of making the January insurrection topic a line in the sand for everyone on that stage. He even managed to throw in a couple of snide remarks to his old commander-in-chief. As the debate progressed, he took no issue with taking jabs and returning verbal punches when applicable.

Is he capable of going all the way? Probably not. But this debate did a great job at restoring some of the integrity to Pence’s name as his former boss is on the cusp of his fourth indictment.

Doug Burgum

The North Dakota governor had a tough time even making the stage after suffering an Achilles injury the day before. Nonetheless, his performance in the debate along with his answers were admirable. For a governor who is in charge of one of the biggest oil states in the country, his plan on energy diversification was much more nuanced and digestible in comparison to Ramaswamy’s archaic views on energy.

Despite his good ideas, it seems like Burgum has his work cut out for him in order to make a breakthrough on the polls.

Middle of the Pack

Chris Christie

The former New Jersey governor had a moment to shine when he criticized Vivek Ramaswamy for his “ChatGPT” like answers and talking points. However, the overall energy from Christie was lackluster, and Vivek had some poignant counterpoints when it came to his record on Trump. Tough talking points are great, but unlike his stature, his words rarely hold the same amount of weight. His best moments on stage were quarreling with others, not advancing his own agenda—which he needed to do badly in this debate to gain traction.

Vivek Ramaswamy

The verbose “outsider” of the GOP primary race has been red-hot since he announced his presidential campaign. However, being a charismatic public speaker didn’t get him points when it came to policy. The first-generation American was jeered to loud gasps and “aww”s when he openly proclaimed that Climate Change was a “hoax.”

He then got taken for a ride when it came to foreign policy, with Nikki Haley having the most quotable moment of the night at Vivek’s expense.

Is he charming? Yes. Is he inexperienced and proving himself a rawer candidate than previously thought? Absolutely. This debate was a back-to-the-drawing-board moment for Ramaswamy as he needs to come back to the debate table with substance, not just shocking statements of ‘American Revolution’ that ring hollower with each utterance. With each statement, he seems more like a Trump hologram and less like his own candidate.

Losers

Ron DeSantis

The Florida governor came out strong despite an awkward smile. While the steam seemed authentic in the early goings, his talking points started to become redundant. He stands for kids, he stands for families, he stands for freedom…but the most damning thing about his campaign thus far is his inability to come off as an authentic and likable leader to Americans outside of the Florida electorate bubble.

That’s partly why his campaign has been in a tailspin as of late. While this debate didn’t derail his campaign entirely, the ground he needs to make up may be too high to overcome. Considering DeSantis’ strongest numbers on the campaign trail were only at the very beginning, the coming months will surely be a moment of reckoning for him and his team.

Ron DeSantis defending his lukewarm debate performance in Milwaukee. Video: Forbes.

Asa Hutchinson

Former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson had very little time in the limelight last night and we can see why. Hutchinson’s disposition to criticize both the left and the right didn’t seem to strike a chord with either end of the aisle that well. Given his current standings in the polls, the likelihood of him making it to the next stretch of debates is highly unlikely.

Donald Trump

With the indictments of Donald Trump looming over this debate like a giant Republican elephant in the room, his name came up a surprisingly few amount of times. At this stage, it’s obvious to see Trump’s absence at the debate was more of a preservation tactic than it was a political calculation.

With the Fulton County Jail arraignment already in progress, it’s hard to fight for the presidential seat when you may very well be behind bars. Donald Trump is always seeking to have his name in the headlines. But even his own campaign team can admit that sometimes, there is such a thing as bad publicity. This recent stretch of weeks has been just that for the former President.

Tim Scott

The South Carolina senator is one of the long shots poll-wise who made it to the debate stage. He had his work cut out for him, competing alongside his state’s former governor Nikki Haley, who came out strong and decisive in her talking points. Adequate fundraising at the state level seems to be Scott’s biggest selling point, but it won’t be enough to catapult him towards the next stretch of debates at this juncture.

_____________________________

Nicolas Vera is a Florida National News reporter. | info@floridanationalnews.com

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Florida

DeSantis’ New Florida Congressional Map Could Spark Lawsuits, Legislative Showdown, and Statewide Protests

Published

1 day ago

April 27, 2026

FNN NEWS

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a proposed congressional redistricting map that could significantly reshape Florida’s representation in the U.S. House ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The proposal, released Monday, outlines districts that could favor Republicans in 24 seats, compared to four Democratic-leaning districts. Currently, Florida’s congressional delegation includes 20 Republicans and seven Democrats, with one vacant seat.

REDISTRICTING PROPOSAL & POLITICAL IMPACT
The governor said the new map reflects Florida’s population changes and fulfills his commitment to mid-decade redistricting. Lawmakers have been called into a special legislative session to consider the proposal.

The map appears to eliminate four Democratic-held seats, including a Tampa-area district represented by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, an Osceola County district held by U.S. Rep. Darren Soto—the first Puerto Rican elected to Congress from Florida—and a Palm Beach-Broward district that could displace U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz.

The proposal also affects a majority-Black voting district spanning Palm Beach and Broward counties, previously represented by former U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, raising concerns about the future of minority representation.

Supporters, including Evan Power, say the map could better align districts with voter distribution. Critics, including Nikki Fried, have called the proposal unconstitutional gerrymandering. Florida law prohibits partisan gerrymandering, setting up potential legal challenges.

Rep. Tray McCurdy, D-Orlando and Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville sit on the Florida Seal in protest as debate stops on Senate Bill 2-C: Establishing the Congressional Districts of the State in the House of Representatives Thursday, April 21, 2022 at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. Rep. Daisy Morales, D-Orlando, joins the protest, holding a sign. The session was halted on the protest. (AP Photo/Phil Sears)

LOOKING BACK: 2022 PROTESTS OVER REDISTRICTING
The current debate mirrors tensions from 2022, when Democratic lawmakers staged a sit-in protest on the Florida House floor in opposition to a previous congressional map backed by DeSantis.

Lawmakers including Yvonne Hinson, Angie Nixon, Travaris McCurdy, Felicia Robinson, and Daisy Morales participated in the protest, temporarily halting legislative proceedings.

Morales, a member of the Congressional Redistricting Subcommittee and the only Hispanic lawmaker involved in the sit-in, strongly criticized the map at the time.

“Our democracy is being attacked. The governor eliminating two Black congressional seats is a power grab and it’s wrong,” Morales said in a written statement. “Stripping seats from Black representation is the same as saying the Black voice—the Black vote—doesn’t matter.”

She also warned about potential impacts on Hispanic representation:

“With this map passing, I’m deeply concerned it could target the only Puerto Rican representing Florida in Congress, Darren Soto, to benefit partisan interests. We don’t want to disenfranchise the 1.2 million Puerto Ricans in Florida.”

WHAT COMES NEXT IN 2026
As lawmakers prepare to debate the new proposal, Democrats are expected to push back through legal challenges, legislative opposition, and public advocacy.

The outcome of Florida’s redistricting battle could play a pivotal role in shaping control of the U.S. House and influence the national political landscape heading into the 2026 midterm elections.

Politics

Gov. Ron DeSantis Orders Flags at Half-Staff for Slain Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy M. Metayer Bowen

Published

2 weeks ago

April 16, 2026

FNN NEWS

Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy M. Metayer Bowen

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy M. Metayer Bowen, who was killed April 1 in what authorities describe as a domestic violence incident.

The directive calls for U.S. and Florida state flags to be lowered from sunrise to sunset Friday, April 17, 2026, at the State Capitol in Tallahassee and at all local and state buildings, installations and grounds throughout Coral Springs.

According to Coral Springs Police, officers conducted a wellness check at Metayer Bowen’s home after city staff raised concerns when she missed scheduled meetings and could not be reached. Responding officers found her deceased inside the residence.

Investigators said the killing appears to be a domestic violence incident. Her husband, Stephen Bowen, was later taken into custody and faces charges of premeditated murder and tampering with evidence. The case remains under active investigation.

State and local leaders say the half-staff order honors Metayer Bowen’s service and legacy in the Coral Springs community, where she was recognized for her leadership and commitment to public service.

What We Know About Her Death
Police say Metayer Bowen was killed April 1 at her Coral Springs home. Officers discovered her body during a wellness check prompted by her unexplained absence from official duties and lack of communication.

Husband Arrested, Faces Charges
Authorities arrested her husband, Stephen Bowen, who now faces premeditated murder and evidence-tampering charges. Investigators have identified the case as an apparent domestic violence incident.

State Honors Her Legacy
Gov. DeSantis ordered flags lowered across key government buildings in Tallahassee and Coral Springs, recognizing Metayer Bowen’s public service and the impact of her loss on the community.

Crimes and Courts

Florida Creates Public Assistance Fraud Task Force, Appoints Special Prosecutor to Crack Down on Fraud

Published

2 weeks ago

April 15, 2026

FNN NEWS

Courtesy of the Office of the Attorney General

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — James Uthmeier announced the launch of the Public Assistance Fraud Task Force, a multi-agency initiative aimed at strengthening investigations and prosecutions of fraud involving taxpayer-funded benefit programs.

As part of the effort, Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Scott Strauss has been appointed as special prosecutor to oversee complex, multi-circuit fraud cases and coordinate legal strategies across agencies.

TASK FORCE TO TARGET FRAUD

The task force is designed to provide legal counsel and streamline criminal prosecutions for state agencies and law enforcement, enhancing Florida’s ability to build strong cases against individuals accused of fraud.

“We are launching this task force to bring accountability and prosecute those who are stealing from Floridians,” Uthmeier said. “Florida is not Minnesota or California, and we will safeguard the taxpayers’ investment in the services meant for the vulnerable.”

MULTI-AGENCY COLLABORATION

State leaders emphasized the importance of coordination across agencies to combat increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes.

“Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Uthmeier, Florida has continued to identify, address, and prevent fraud,” said Shevaun L. Harris, secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration. “This multi-agency initiative creates an opportunity to collectively reaffirm that commitment.”

Brad McVay added that protecting taxpayer-funded programs is essential to maintaining public trust.

“Floridians deserve a government that safeguards their taxpayer dollars from fraudsters,” McVay said.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass also stressed enforcement.

“If you commit fraud against public assistance programs, you will be held accountable,” Glass said.

ROLE OF SPECIAL PROSECUTOR

The special prosecutor will evaluate and oversee ongoing multi-circuit investigations, assist in developing cases for prosecution, and support law enforcement with legal tools such as warrants and affidavits.

Kathleen Von Hoene said the initiative will strengthen protections for vulnerable populations.

“Our goal is to protect the public, preserve the integrity of the Medicaid program, and safeguard the populations it serves,” she said.

PROGRAMS AND ENFORCEMENT

Florida’s public assistance programs include Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, housing assistance and reemployment services. Fraud involving these programs can result in criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, with penalties including fines, restitution and incarceration.

Law enforcement agencies interested in participating in the task force can contact the Office of Statewide Prosecution for more information.