RandySF
RandySF's JournalPoll: Democrats gaining ground, key races tighten in Florida as Donald Trump drags GOP
Democrats may be better positioned than they have been in years to compete — and potentially win — across Florida in the 2026 Midterms, buoyed by Republican weaknesses and a decisive shift among independent voters, new polling shows.
South Florida-based EDGE Communications and MDW Communications polled 1,834 likely Florida voters between March 27 and April 3. The poll, which carried a 2-percentage-point margin of error, found a political environment that appears increasingly competitive for Democrats in a state long dominated by Republicans.
The Trump effect
At the center of the findings is a warning sign for Republicans: President Donald Trump is underwater with Florida voters, and pollsters say that dynamic could have ripple effects down the ballot.
Trump posts a net negative approval rating of 6.1 percentage points statewide, with particularly sharp declines among no-party voters, where his net favorability is 39.3 points underwater.
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/790357-poll-democrats-gaining-ground-key-races-tighten-in-florida-as-donald-trump-drags-gop/
Eric Diaz-Padron (R) re-elected West Miami Mayor as voters decide 3 Commission races
West Miami Mayor Eric Diaz-Padron secured another four years in office Tuesday, repelling a challenge from former City Manager Yolanda Aguilar in a contest that featured more civility than fireworks.
With the city’s lone precinct reporting, Diaz-Padron had 70.8% of the vote to win re-election. He’ll return to City Hall alongside sitting Commissioners Gustavo Ceballos, Juan Blanes, and Commissioner-elect Victoria De la Torre, who defeated one opponent each for Seats 1, 2 and 4, respectively, on the West Miami Commission.
Ceballos defeated George Lavin with 74.6% of the vote, while Blanes outpaced Fermin Belleau with a 71.4% share of ballots cast. De La Torre, meanwhile, won against Elsa Pelaez-Lopez by a nearly 42-percentage-point margin.
Diaz-Padron, Ceballos and Blanes all won four-year terms.
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/790761-eric-diaz-padron-re-elected-west-miami-mayor-as-voters-decide-3-commission-races/
First-time candidate Elchonon Shagalov (?) wins seat on Bay Harbor Islands Council
First-time candidate Elchonon Shagalov will soon become the newest member of the Bay Harbor Islands Council after winning a two-way race for a seat on the panel Tuesday.
With the town’s lone precinct reporting, Shagalov had 55% of the vote to defeat Gustavo Ortega, a perennial Democratic candidate with whom he shared several policy positions.
Seventy-one votes separated the candidates on Election Night.
Both ran campaigns prioritizing residents’ safety, quality of life and preserving the character of the small municipality of about 6,000, which spans two islands off the coasts of North Miami and Bal Harbour in Miami-Dade County.
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/790776-first-time-candidate-elchonon-shagalov-wins-seat-on-bay-harbor-islands-council/
Nick Nesta (R) wins contentious Apopka Mayor Runoff
Apopka City Commissioner Nick Nesta overwhelmingly won Tuesday’s runoff and defeated Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore to become Apopka’s next Mayor.
Nesta beat Moore with nearly 62% of the vote, according to unofficial election results that showed all precincts reporting.
Nesta will lead Apopka, a city of about 60,000 residents in Northwest Orange County.
Ahead of Election Day, Nesta thanked his supporters and volunteers on social media.
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/790615-nick-nesta-wins-apopka-mayor-runoff/
Effort to recall Miami-Dade Mayor (D) misses reporting deadline, violates state law with TV ad
An effort to recall Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava appears to have violated Florida law by missing a state-mandated reporting deadline and omitting key disclaimer language in a TV ad laden with AI slop.
Levine Cava’s political adviser, in turn, has since filed a cease and desist letter to the station airing the ad. State fines are likely for the delinquent financial report.
In mid-January, Miami-Dade Clerk Juan Fernandez-Barquin approved a recall petition against Levine Cava started by conservative media personality Alex Otaola, one of five challengers Levine Cava trounced in 2024.
Funding for the recall push was to come primarily from Recall Cava, a political committee Otaola set up in October.
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/790667-effort-to-recall-miami-dade-mayor-misses-reporting-deadline-violates-state-law-with-tv-ad/
Rep. Patty Stinson shares support for Macon County Board of Elections as employees face fraud charges
OGLETHORPE, Ga. — Two Macon County Board of Elections employees are among several people facing federal charges for an alleged multi-million dollar scheme.
A grand jury indictment unsealed Tuesday names Tarshea Fudge-Riley, Lamonica Lakes, and three others who now all face Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud. All five appeared in front of a federal judge Tuesday, pleading not guilty.
Fudge-Riley is Macon County's elections supervisor and Lakes is her election clerk and deputy election registrar. The Board of Elections Chairman Chris Fox told 13WMAZ that his team, along with other county leaders, are meeting Wednesday to discuss "personnel matters" but did not share further comment.
Meanwhile, State House Representative Patty Stinson says she is also aware of the charges, and is supporting the board.
https://www.13wmaz.com/article/news/local/rep-patty-stinson-shares-support-for-macon-county-board-of-elections/93-52bcb8f0-2662-4439-bc9d-1b0d234165da
Election commission explains process
The Cleburne County Election Commission remains steadfast in its commitment to conducting elections that are accurate, secure and worthy of the public’s trust. In preparation for the March 3 election, extensive steps were taken to ensure every aspect of the voting process met the highest standards of integrity and reliability.
A key component of this preparation was the training of poll workers. Prior to Election Day, all poll workers were required to complete a comprehensive 3- to 4-hour training session, followed by an assessment. This training ensured that each worker was fully informed on current election laws and thoroughly acquainted with proper voting equipment procedures. By investing in this level of preparation, the Commission helps guarantee that voters receive consistent and professional assistance at every polling location.
https://www.thesuntimes.com/news/election-commission-explains-process/article_cfbab043-97c8-5990-9d88-9bf1d1933d7d.html
Paul Wymer (R) holds sizeable lead in runoff election for Rio Ranch mayor
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (KRQE) – Voters in Rio Rancho will soon learn who will be their next mayor. Two candidates are in the running for Tuesday night’s runoff election. Those candidates are Rio Rancho District 4 City Councilor Paul Wymer and retired educator Alexandria Piland. As of 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Wymer holds a sizeable lead.
A KRQE News 13 crew was at Turtle Mountain Brewing, where earlier in the evening, Wymer told his supporters the numbers were looking promising and in his favor. The place has cleared out since then, as Wymer continues to hold a strong lead over Alexandria Piland. “I’m feeling overwhelmed; it’s just an amazing emotional rollercoaster….”I can hit the ground running. I’ve got this, I can do the job, I just needed to get it,” said Wymer.
He has been a Rio Rancho city councilor for the last six years, representing District 4. Should the numbers continue to hold, Wymer said his first order of business as mayor will be the city’s budget.
KRQE News 13 caught up with his opponent, Piland, earlier Tuesday evening as the polls closed. The former educator shared her gratitude for this experience and the changes she hopes to see for the city. “I would like to see more of a dialogue between the city administration and the people of the city. So it’s not just communication going one way or the other. There needs to be a discussion about what’s going on in our city. This city belongs to the people,” said Wiland.
https://www.krqe.com/news/politics-government/elections/paul-wymer-holds-sizeable-lead-in-runoff-election-for-rio-ranch-mayor/
Lexington mayoral candidates debate hot topics ahead of May primary election
LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Four Lexington mayoral candidates shared a stage to discuss the city's housing crisis, public safety, and winter weather response as incumbent Mayor Linda Gorton seeks her third term.
The candidates debated the city's approach to the housing shortage. Real estate expert Raquel Carter criticized Gorton's record on the issue.
"We are over 22,000 housing units behind," Carter said.
Gorton defended her administration's efforts.
https://www.lex18.com/news/covering-kentucky/lexington-mayoral-candidates-debate-hot-topics-ahead-of-may-primary-election#google_vignette
Sheriff Hakes (R) announces re-election campaign
CHIPPEWA COUNTY, Wis. (WEAU) - Chippewa County Sheriff Travis Hakes has announced he is running for re-election.
Sheriff Hakes was first elected to the role in November of 2022. He announced his re-election campaign in a news release late Tuesday night.
The upcoming election cycle will include a primary election on Tuesday, August 11, followed by the general election on Tuesday, November 3.
Sheriff Hakes will kick off his campaign with a public event on Wednesday, August 15 from 5:00–8:00 p.m. at Horizon’s Bar & Grill in Tilden.
https://www.weau.com/2026/04/15/sheriff-hakes-announces-re-election-campaign/
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Gender: MaleHometown: Detroit Area, MI
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