Politics
Senator Rick Scott Reflects on Senate Majority Leader Loss, Vows Continued Push for Change
Published
2 years agoon
By
Willie DavidWASHINGTON, D.C. (FNN) – Following the Senate Republican Conference’s vote, Senator Rick Scott released a statement addressing his loss in the race for Senate Majority Leader. Despite the setback, Scott expressed unwavering optimism and a commitment to his goals for reform within the Senate.
“I may have lost the vote, but I am optimistic,” said Senator Scott. “I ran for leader with one mission: to fundamentally change how the Senate operates and upend the status quo so we can actually start representing the voters who put us here.” Scott emphasized his motivation to push for “dramatic change,” citing the recent electoral victories of President Donald Trump and Republican majorities in both chambers of Congress as a clear mandate from voters.
Scott’s focus on challenging Senate norms faced a mixed reception among GOP colleagues, with some concerned that his proposals would be difficult to implement under existing rules and could disrupt established processes. Despite his appeal to the need for change, the majority ultimately favored Senator John Thune, viewing his experience and approach as better aligned with the Senate’s current needs and Trump’s legislative agenda.
“I want to thank my friend President Trump and the support I received from so many Americans from every corner of our country,” Scott added. “I am truly humbled by the millions of Americans who supported my run.” He pledged to back Senator Thune, ensuring a unified GOP strategy and aiding Thune in advancing Trump’s legislative priorities.
Scott also extended gratitude to John Cornyn, acknowledging his strong campaign. “While it isn’t the result we hoped for, I will do everything possible to make sure John Thune is successful in accomplishing President Trump’s agenda,” Scott stated.
As Scott now reorients his focus, he remains a vocal advocate for change and a prominent ally within the Trump-aligned GOP faction, positioning himself to influence future legislative reforms.
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J Willie David, III contributed to this report.
news@FloridaNationalNews.com
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Florida
Joe Strada Loans Campaign $5 Million, Launches $1 Million Ad Buy in Congressional District 11
Published
18 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
5 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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