Make Your Voice Heard in the Naples City Election!

Attention Naples Residents! The Vote-By-Mail ballots for the Presidential Primary are out, and this is your chance to shape the future of our beloved city. In the 2022 election, 5,652 ballots were sent out in the city, but this year, there’s been a 45% drop, with only 3,089 mailed last week.

Your Vote Matters – Request Your Vote-By-Mail Ballot Now!
Don’t let the opportunity slip away. If you prefer voting by mail, there’s still time! Due to the new rule, you must request a Vote-By-Mail ballot. Click here to secure your chance to influence the outcome.

Naples City Council – Your Decision Matters!
Whether you want to maintain the current direction or bring about change, your vote holds the power. Naples City Council plays a crucial role in our community, and your voice matters in selecting the Mayor and City Council members.

2024 Ballot Candidates:
Check out the list of candidates on the 2024 ballot here. Familiarize yourself with their visions for our city.

A Call for Change:
The community has raised an unprecedented amount of campaign funds for a slate of candidates. This funding included Gary Price for Mayor, and Berne Barton, William E. Kramer, and Tony Perez-Benitoa for City Council. That is a strong showing of many in the community wanting to make big changes in the way the city is currently operating. Whether you support their mission or have a different vision, now is the time to make your choice. This group aims to take out Current mayor Teresa L. Heitmann and current city councilor Edward (Ted) H. Blankenship who are both running for the mayor position. Obviously, there will be a change in Naples City Council as no incumbents are running to keep their seat.

Important Dates and How to Vote:

Vote-by-Mail

ALL Vote-by-Mail requests from 2022 have expired.

Voters can request, update and track their Vote-by-Mail ballot at www.CollierVotes.gov/RequestBallot.

The deadline for the Collier County Supervisor of Elections to receive a request to mail a Vote-by-Mail ballot is March 7, 2024. Any registered voter can vote by mail. Formerly known as “absentee voting,” voters no longer need an excuse to cast their ballot by mail. Voting by mail is an easy and convenient way to make your voice heard in the next election. Voters can request their Vote-by-Mail ballot online or by contacting the Supervisor of Elections office.

Early Voting

  • Begins:  Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
  • Ends:      Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
  • Early voting:  Locations and addresses can be found at Colliervotes.gov/Election-Info/Vote-Early.
  • Early voting:  Site within the City of Naples is the Norris Center located at 755 8th Ave S, Naples FL  34102.

What to Bring to The Voting Site 

Florida Statute 101.043 requires a person to bring a photo and signature identification before a person can vote. The acceptable forms of identification are:

  • Florida Driver License
  • Florida ID Card (Issued by DHSMV)
  • U.S. Passport
  • Debit or Credit Card

If your photo ID does not include your signature, you will be asked to provide another ID that has your signature. If you do not bring your ID, you may still vote, however, you will be required to vote a provisional ballot, which will later be evaluated by a canvassing board for eligibility.

Let’s ensure Naples City reflects our collective aspirations. Your vote is not just a right; it’s a responsibility. Share this message, encourage your neighbors, and let’s make a difference in our community.

Naples City Elections Update: The Battle Unveiled!

The Naples City elections are set to be a showdown like never before, with candidates revealing their cards and alliances. Let’s dive into the latest updates and intriguing details:

Mayoral Race: Clash of Titans

  • Ted Blankenship: Fearless and self-invested, Blankenship has raised a formidable $34,009.80, including a $15,000 loan from the man himself. With spending at $22,489.22, he’s aiming high.
  • Teresa Heitmann: A self-backed powerhouse, Heitmann storms in with $48,579.74, including a $5,000 loan from her own reserves. Watch out for her strategic moves, having spent $12,687.
  • Gary Price: The financial giant in the mayoral ring, Price is a fundraising maestro with $188,275 in his war chest. With spending at $73,936, he’s playing big in this high-stakes game.

City Council Race: A Symphony of Strategies

  • Berne Barton: With $57,399.86 in the bank and strategic spending at $6,570.24, Barton is weaving a political masterpiece.
  • Garey Cooper: A self-invested visionary, Cooper has put up $1,500 (loan to himself) and strategically spent $1,494. A newcomer with potential.
  • Nicholas M Del Rosso: Maintaining a mysterious silence, Del Rosso keeps his cards close, revealing nothing at this stage.
  • William E Kramer: A financial force to be reckoned with, Kramer boasts $63,875 in funds, having spent $7,069.25 strategically. He’s a key player in the council chessboard.
  • Linda Penniman: A self-supporting dynamo, Penniman has injected $10,200 (loan $9,000 to herself) into her campaign, spending $3,775.95 wisely. She’s making her mark.
  • Tony Perez-Benitoa: With $46,435 in the war chest and strategic spending at $9,636.36, Perez-Benitoa is a strategic player in this political chess game.

Alliances Revealed: United for Change

A game-changing mailer unveils alliances that could reshape Naples City. Gary Price for Mayor has strategically allied with William E Kramer, Berne Barton, and Tony Perez-Benitoa for City Council. A united front against dysfunction.

The Voter Turnout Dilemma

As the battleground heats up, it’s crucial to note that Naples City has seen voter turnout fluctuations, ranging from a mere 28% to a high of 50%. The key to victory? Mobilizing the electorate. This race isn’t just about the best candidate—it’s about getting the voters to the polls.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Naples City elections unfold, coinciding with the Presidential primary election. The stage is set, alliances are formed, and the voters hold the power to shape the future of Naples City!

Republicans in Florida Grow their Lead Over Democrats

Florida Republicans added over 81,000 registered voters to their lead over state Democrats for December 2023, according to Florida Division of Elections.

As of Dec. 31, 2023, Republicans lead Democrats by 779,701 voters. From November, the party’s lead extended by 81,779 voters. In total, there are 5,141,848 Republicans in the state to 4,362,147 Democrats.

This lead represents the largest single-month net gain since the 2022 election.

However, both parties have lost voters since the end of 2022, Republicans have lost around 183,000, Democrats have lost over 600,000 – a staggering three times more.

As of December 31st, Florida is now 38.5% Republican, 32.7% Democrat and 26.4% No Party Affiliation.

This wide margin comes as the 2024 election year begins, with Republicans having a never before voter registration lead heading into a presidential election cycle.

Former President Donald Trump won Florida by several points in 2020 when Republicans trailed Democrats in registrations by just under 100,000.

He also won the state in 2016 when there were close to 600,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans.

Senator Kathleen Passidomo Week in Review Dec 8

On Thursday, during our annual holiday breakfast with the Capitol Press Corps, I was proud to unveil my Live Healthy proposal to strengthen health care in the Sunshine State. Senator Colleen Burton, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health Policy, and Senator Gayle Harrell, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, joined me to announce the Live Healthy package, which includes policies and funding to grow Florida’s health care workforce, increase access to care, and incentivize innovation.

Access to health care is important at every phase of life.  Insurance does not guarantee access, as even Floridians with great insurance face barriers to care.

Live Healthy will expand Florida’s health care workforce with new opportunities for education, training and retention.  This includes enhancing partnerships between our hospitals and Florida colleges and universities that train health care workers.  It also creates more residency slots and creative loan repayment options that drive providers to underserved areas.  We want to make sure our medical school graduates stay in Florida and also attract more out-of-state residents – not only for their residencies but to build their lives and medical practices right here in our communities.

We are also funding provider increases that incentivize our health care workers to continue serving in high-demand fields like mental health, labor and delivery, and disabilities.

We know that our hospital emergency rooms are the most expensive real estate in our state. Live Healthy will help streamline emergency departments by creating partnerships with Community Health Centers and other primary care settings so that when care is urgently needed, but not life threatening, it can be provided outside of the hospital emergency room in a more efficient and appropriate setting. Live Healthy also expands access to preventive health screenings to ensure early diagnosis and better management of chronic disease for all Floridians.

Legislation that is part of the Live Healthy package will be considered during the Senate Committee on Health Policy on Tuesday, December 12.  Additional legislation will be filed in the coming weeks.

Streamlining Rural Development

Tuesday, Senate Bill 196, sponsored by Senator Corey Simon (R-Tallahassee), passed the Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism. Senate Bill 196 removes burdensome restrictions on regional economic development organizations and allows for increased access to rural development funding.

This legislation removes matching requirements on rural development grants allowing for fiscally constrained counties and regions to receive critical funding for economic development without negatively impacting their own finances.

Access to these grants is often limited by a county’s ability to collect taxes from their own citizens. By removing these requirements, we can improve the quality of life in rural communities without the need for burdensome taxes.

Ensuring that Florida’s rural communities have the necessary tools to establish diverse, resilient economies is critically important for the many families, farmers, and family- owned businesses, who call rural Florida home.

 

Supporting Florida’s National Guard

Wednesday, Senate Memorial 226, sponsored by Senator Tom Wright (R-New Smyrna Beach), passed the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security. Senate Memorial 226 urges the United States Congress to expand the Florida National Guard’s Force Allocation.

Florida is the 3rd most populous state in the country, yet has only 12,000 soldiers and airmen in our National Guard, a ratio of one guardsman for every 1,833 Floridians. Due to Florida’s active hurricane season and the consistent need for mobilization, it is clear that an increased National Guard Force Allocation is critical to effectively respond to disasters and ensure the safety of Floridians.

In addition to our current needs, Florida’s population continues to rapidly grow, outpacing the nation in net in-migration. This increase in population will only further amplify the issues facing Florida’s National Guard and exacerbate the need for additional guardsman.

The health and safety of Floridians is critical, especially in the face of natural disasters that frequently impact our state. By refusing to expand the Florida’s National Guard Force Allocation, Washington D.C. is playing political games with the health and safety of over 20 million Americans.

 

Raising Awareness For Opioid Addiction 

Tuesday, Senate Bill 66, sponsored by Senator Jason Brodeur, passed the Senate Committee on Health Policy. Senate Bill 66 creates “Victoria’s Law”, raising awareness of the dangers of opioid addiction and to the availability of medical treatments to reverse the effects of opioid overdose.

The opioid epidemic has had a devastating impact on communities across the State of Florida and the entire country. Throughout the first 6 months of 2022, Florida experienced almost four thousand deaths from opioid overdoses. The fentanyl that flows across America’s wide-open southern border is a leading cause of these deaths.

This legislation encourages the Florida Department of Health to hold events to boost attention relating to the dangers of an opioid overdose and how to administer Naloxone, an emergency opioid antagonist better known as Narcan, which reverses the life-threatening effects of opioid overdose. In order to increase awareness, Senate Bill 66 allows the Governor to designate June 6 as Naloxone Awareness Day.

 

Advancing Florida’s Balanced Budget

Wednesday, a number of state agencies appeared before each Senate Appropriations subcommittee to present the Governor’s recommended budget for the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

The Governor’s proposed budget includes historic funding for K-12 Education, significant investments in infrastructure, and critical relief for Floridians struggling with property insurance costs. Additionally, the proposed budget recommends over $1 billion in tax relief for Floridians, dedicates almost $500 million to reduce debt, and maintains $16.3 billion in reserves.

The Governor’s Office will present the proposed budget before the full Senate Appropriations Committee on December 12. The Senate and House will review and consider the Governor’s proposed budget before drafting their own proposed budgets for the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

 

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office any time that I can be of assistance.

Respectfully,

Kathleen C. Passidomo

Senate President
State Senator, District 28

Naples Office:

3299 East Tamiami Trail
Suite 203
Naples, FL 34112
239-417-6205

LaBelle Office:

25 East Hickpochee Avenue
Room J-101
LaBelle, FL 33935
863-674-7122

Tallahassee Office:

409 The Capitol
404 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399

November 2024 Election Update for Collier County

Russell Tuff
Chairman, CCCVPAC

What’s New in the 2024 Election Cycle in Collier County, Florida?

In the upcoming City of Naples mayoral race, three candidates are vying for the position. Notably, Bill Kramer, the renowned former football coach of Naples High, has filed as the sole candidate for the three city council seats.

In the county, there is a change in leadership for the position of Property Appraiser, as the long-serving 99-year-old Abe Skinner has not filed for re-election. However, Julian L. Stokes, son of his longtime assistant by the same name, has stepped forward as a candidate. Additionally, four individuals, all registered Republicans, have entered the race for Collier County Commission seat 3, currently held by Commissioner Burt Saunders.

Collier County’s political landscape boasts 134,378 registered Republicans, 53,684 Democrats, 66,892 No Party Affiliation or other. Statewide, as of October 31st, there are 5,153,695 registered Republicans, 4,473,665 Democrats, and 3,925,923 registered as Other, marking a significant 680,030 Republican advantage over Democrats in Florida. It’s noteworthy that Florida, prior to November 2021, had more Democrats than Republicans.

A notable development is the launch of the Democrat Party of Florida’s $1 Million Voter initiative a month ago. Despite this effort, Republicans lead registered Democrats by 111,979, indicating that the Democrat message may not be resonating effectively in Florida.

As the March election approaches, including the presidential primary and the City of Naples election, it’s crucial to stay informed. For a complete list of offices up for election in Collier County, Click Here. To access the list of declared Republican candidates on the ballot, Click Here.

City of Naples Issues:
Examining the issues relevant to the City of Naples, the governance of the current City Council emerges as a focal point. Concerns have surfaced regarding excessive oversight of city staff, diverting their focus from receiving clear directives from the city administrator and promptly taking action. The frequency and duration of council meetings have also raised questions about their impact on staff productivity.

Notably, some council members appear to reiterate their rationales for support or denial, even after decisions have been reached, suggesting a desire to be heard at the expense of efficiency. These concerns shed light on the challenges facing the City of Naples as the election cycle unfolds.

Florida Becomes More Republican – Florida Republican Chairman – Christian Ziegler

FLORIDA BECOMES MORE REPUBLICAN!

October’s Voter Registration Numbers are OUT and it was a REALLY bad month for Florida Democrats.

Click here to view county by county registration numbers

As of October 31, 2023:

Current Registration Totals (Statewide)

  • Republican: 5,153,695 (38.03%)
  • Democrat: 4,473,665 (33.01%)
  • Other: 3,925,923 (28.97%)

The Republican Party of Florida has an advantage of 680,030 or 5.02% more than the Democrat Party 

(Remember…Prior to November of 2021, Florida has always had more Democrats than Republicans statewide…Big gains in just a couple years)

The Republican Party increased our statewide advantage by 53,512 or .46% in October alone.

Key Milestones:

  • Since President Trump was elected in 2016, Republicans have out-registered Democrats by: 1,007,468
  • Since Governor DeSantis was elected in 2018, Republicans have out-registered Democrats by: 943,299
  • Since the Florida Democrat Party launched their $1 Million Voter Registration Campaign on August 1st, Republicans have out-registered Democrats by: 111,979
  • Since January 1st, Republicans have out-registered Democrats by: 296,076 and added 2.38% to our statewide voter registration advantage.

Major Individual County Gains For October:

  • Republicans in Palm Beach (Democrat County) shrank their deficit to the Democrats by 20,031 voters.
  • Republicans in Hillsborough (Democrat County) shrank their deficit to the Democrats by 17,594 voters.

25 of the 67 Counties in Florida have flipped from Democrat to Republican (in registration) since 2016 and there are now only 10 Democrat counties left in the state.

Here are the counties expected to flip in the near future:

  • St. Lucie (1.07% away)
  • Madison (4.06% away, but that makes up just under 500 voters)
  • Hillsborough (1.92% away) and Duval (3.32% away) have had some significant gains and are close.

Historic Numbers: Florida Republicans Expand Their Lead over Democrats

 

Read Article

 

Republican voter registration lead expands by 53,000 in October alone

 

Read Article

 

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Governor DeSantis Signs Legislation to Support Israel, Provide Hurricane Relief and Expand School Choice into Law.

Given recent events, including the horrific attacks against Israel in the Middle East and devastation to the Big Bend caused by Hurricane Idalia here at home, there were several issues that warranted our attention in advance of the Regular Session.  Last week, the Florida Legislature convened for Special Session C to demonstrate our support for Israel, provide critical hurricane relief and expand the capacity of the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities.

We passed four bills with overwhelming, bipartisan support, and Governor Ron DeSantis signed these measures into law this week.  I am grateful for the strong partnership we have with Governor DeSantis and House Speaker Paul Renner, which enables us to act quickly to address urgent needs of our state and nation.  Unlike the dysfunction we so often see in Washington, when challenges come our way here in Florida, our Governor, Cabinet, and Legislature work together.

House Bill 1C: Disaster Relief by Senator Corey Simon

As demonstrated after Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, the Florida Senate is committed to helping Floridians rebuild from devastating storms in every manner possible. In response to Hurricane Idalia, the Florida Senate passed House Bill 1C, providing necessary funding and tax relief to the communities who need it most. The Florida Senate is meeting the challenge to support our rural and agricultural communities that have been devastated by Hurricane Idalia.

HB 1C provides over $30 million to address the gap in federal funds, ensuring that Floridians who have been devastated by Hurricane Idalia are not left behind by the federal government.

HB 1C grants tax relief to Floridians on building material purchases, provides refunds of motor fuel taxes used for agricultural shipments and debris removal and lowers farmer’s tax bills on agricultural equipment that they cannot use due to the impact of the storm.

The legislation expands funding for rural infrastructure in impacted counties, ensuring that small towns and communities across the Big Bend are able to rebuild their farms, roads, schools, and economies.

It also expands the My Safe Florida Home Program through an additional appropriation of over $170 million. This program empowers Floridians to make their houses more resilient to natural disasters, potentially lowering insurance costs.

 

House Bill 3C: Family Empowerment Scholarship Program by Senator Jay Collins

Since House Bill 1 passed in the 2023 Regular Session, Florida has seen record numbers of families benefit from enhanced school choice opportunities now offered to every Floridian. House Bill 3C expands opportunities to Students with Unique Abilities, ensuring that all Florida students have access to a full array of school choice opportunities that meet their unique needs.

A record number of families have been able to receive the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA), a critical program that ensures students with unique abilities have access to school choice opportunities tailored to their needs, as determined by their parents.

HB 3C allows for a greater number of students and families to receive funding under the FES-UA program and removes the cap on funding that families can receive, increasing access and opportunity for those students with unique abilities.

To address the demand for the unique abilities portion of the Family Empowerment Scholarship, families will now have until December 15, 2023, to apply for scholarships in the current school year, in order to be funded by February 1. Ensuring adequate time to apply for and receive scholarship funding.

HB 3C provides critical support to some of our most vulnerable student populations. This legislation builds upon HB 1 passed during the 2023 Legislative Session to ensure access to quality education options, regardless of income, zip code, or circumstance.

 

House Bill 5C: Scrutinized Companies by Senator Bryan Avila

Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism and played a critical role in the horrific terror attacks on Israel by Hamas. This legislation takes a strong stance against the Iranian regime and makes it clear that Florida in no way will support corrupt, tyrannical, and terroristic countries who diametrically oppose American national security and seek to wage proxy war through radical terrorist groups.

The Biden Administration’s unsteady leadership and failure to implement sanctions, most notably, their decision to unfreeze $6 billion to the Iranian regime, has empowered Iran to further support Hamas and other terrorist groups in the region.

With House Bill 5C, Florida is stepping up to hold the Iranian regime accountable for their support of terrorism. As is the trend, when Joe Biden falters, Florida stands up and delivers.

HB 5C expands upon current sanctions maintained by the State of Florida by requiring the state to divest all assets with companies in certain sectors that receive even a tenth of their revenue from or invest a certain dollar threshold into the listed Iranian industries. These restrictions are the strongest allowable under federal law.

This legislation ensures that the State of Florida will not invest in any companies that support the Iranian regime and their sponsorship of terrorism in the Middle East and around the globe.

 

House Bill 7C: Security Grants by Senator Alexis Calatayud

Through this legislation, the Florida Senate makes it clear that anti-Semitic violence has no place in Florida and we are committed to protecting Jewish Floridians from threats of violence. As the threat of anti-Semitism grows following the horrors of Hamas’ attack on Israel, the Florida Legislature is providing critical funding to keep our Jewish community safe.

Following the horrific terror attacks on Israel, there has been an increase in anti-Semitic violence across the country and even here in Florida.

The Jewish people have historically faced persecution and horrors that most can never imagine. The Florida Senate cannot stand by and let our Jewish friends, neighbors, and loved ones be in harm’s way.

No Floridian should feel scared to attend their place of worship or school. The Florida Senate is committed to protecting our Jewish neighbors from violence.

House Bill 7C appropriates $15 million to full-time Jewish Day Schools and preschools for hardening security measures and $10 million for non-hardening security measures. Funds can purchase and install security infrastructure, perimeter lighting and fencing, materials for door hardening, security cameras, barriers, blasé-resistant film, and shatter-resistant glass. This legislation also includes funding for increased security personnel and training.

 

Florida Leads the Way in Supporting Families and Communities

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an unprovoked attack on Israel and brutally murdered, tortured, and raped over 1,400 innocent civilians, including women, children, and the elderly.

Florida stands firmly with the people of Israel and our own Jewish communities across the state. This resolution makes it unquestionably clear that Israel has every right to defend itself from the threats facing their people and country, and Florida will stand arm-in-arm with them as they seek victory and peace.

Senate Resolution 8C supports the right of the State of Israel to exist as a sovereign and independent nation, including the right and obligation to defend itself, with the full rights and privileges afforded to all nations under international law.

SR 8C demands the immediate end of any direct or indirect financial support of Hamas, Iran, Hezbollah, or any entity that publicly supports these attacks and other terrorist activities.

This resolution rejects and condemns threats against Jewish people, institutions, and communities in Florida, the United States, and abroad.

SR 8C states that the State of Florida is proud to have the third-largest Jewish population in the United States and continues to cherish a long-standing bond and alliance with the State of Israel.

 

The Florida Legislature has returned to Tallahassee this week for additional committee hearings.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office any time that I can be of assistance.

Respectfully,

Kathleen C. Passidomo

Senate President
State Senator, District 28

Election 2024 Heats Up – Who’s In and Who’s Out

Russell Tuff
Chairman, CCCVPAC

The 2024 election cycle is quickly approaching, and candidates have wasted no time in throwing their hats into the ring. Already, two candidates have filed for the position of Mayor in the City of Naples, while Collier County Commissioner has drawn interest from five potential candidates. Additionally, the role of Collier Supervisor of Elections has two contenders vying for the position.

On the ballot, Collier County residents will have the opportunity to vote for a variety of offices, including Sheriff, State Representatives, Commissioners, and more. Among these, the Collier County Commission District 3 race is proving to be one of the most hotly contested, with four candidates already in the running.

For a complete list of the offices up for election in Collier County click here.  For a list of the declared Republican candidates on the ballot, click here.

The first election is just a few months away, scheduled for March. This includes the presidential primary and the City of Naples election.

Turning our attention to the federal election, we find Naples’s very own US Senator, Rick Scott, facing off against his Democratic opponent, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. In the US House of Representatives, candidates Byron Donalds, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Scott Franklin currently have no competitors challenging them for their positions.

A competition to watch closely is the Florida State Representative seat 81, currently held by Bob Rommel. With his term set to expire, Yvette Benarroch and Greg Folley are both eager to claim this seat.

City of Naples

As we delve into the issues pertinent to the City of Naples, it becomes evident that the governance of the existing City Council is a focal point.

Concerns have arisen regarding the excessive oversight of city staff, causing them to dedicate more time to reporting to council members rather than receiving clear directives from the city administrator and promptly taking action. Moreover, the frequency of council meetings has raised questions, as it detracts staff from their primary duties. This is in addition to the marathon sessions that are far too frequent.

Another point of annoyance is that council members seem to concur on decisions but still feel compelled to reiterate their rationales for support or denial, even when the matter has already been resolved. It appears there is a desire for some council members to be heard, even at the expense of efficiency. These concerns offer valuable insights into the issues facing the City of Naples as the election cycle unfolds.

To date, only two candidates have file, and both for the Mayor position. To see the list – click here

Republican Party Gains in September

With all the chaos occurring across the world and the focus on the back & forth of the Speakers race back home, I have some great news to share about the Republican Party back here in Florida.

Little background…On August 1st, the Florida Democrat Party launched and hyped a $1 Million statewide voter registration effort.

We had been curious how their efforts would impact the state voter registration numbers and with the state releasing the official numbers today, I will share there was an impact on voter registration… As The REPUBLICAN PARTY continued to EXPAND our voter registration lead by adding another 37,588 to our margin from September 1st to September 30th. Embarrassing for the Democrats, but well deserved considering just how vile and radical the Democrat Party has become. Read below for the full story of where Florida is trending!

-Christian Ziegler
Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida

Florida GOP’s Voter Registration Surge Dominates, Leaving Democrats in the Dust!

In under five years, the political landscape of Florida has been transformed. In September alone, the Republican Party of Florida added another 37,588 to our voter registration advantage, bringing our lead over Democrats to 626,518 as of September 30. This isn’t just a shift; it’s a seismic movement. Florida doesn’t merely lean red; it radiates a deep, darker red.

STATEMENT BY FLORIDAGOP CHAIRMAN CHRISTIAN ZIEGLER:

“It’s evident that the Democrat Party is on the path to extinction in our state, and their recent initiatives, such as the ‘Take Back Florida’ campaign, seem more like a $1 million can of snake oil sold to their donors, rather than genuine outreach.

Despite the noise, the clear message is that Floridians cannot distance themselves fast enough from the radical Democrat Party. Why? Well, it turns out that allowing the invasion of our country from the south while indoctrinating, sexualizing & mutilating children as prominent members of their party carry Hamas’ water just isn’t popular in our state, and the monumental swing of 956,946 voter registrations toward the GOP since 2016 proves that.

This shift in voter registration is good news not just for us today but for my daughters’ generation as we further continue to establish a sanctuary of sanity and freedom here in Florida. With that said – while the momentum is no doubt on our side, there’s no room for complacency, and The Republican Party cannot relax until every Democrat is out of office and no Democrat considers running for office in Florida.” – Christian Ziegler, FloridaGOP Chairman.

The Democrat Party Left Us – We’re Now Republican

Karen and Joe lived in a peaceful community, and they were both passionate about politics and had always considered themselves Democrats. They believed in social justice, environmental conservation, and equal rights. But as the years went by, they noticed changes within the Democratic Party that left them feeling uneasy and uncertain.

Their story begins with a conversation at their favorite coffee shop. Joe sipped his coffee and looked at Karen, concern in his eyes. “Karen, have you noticed how much the Democratic Party has changed in recent years? It’s become so radical, and some of their policies seem extreme.”

Karen nodded, her brow furrowed. “I know what you mean, Joe. I used to be so proud to call myself a Democrat, but now it feels like the party has shifted too far to the left. I don’t even recognize it anymore.”

Their concerns weren’t born out of disagreement with core values but from a sense that the party they had once aligned with had moved away from its original principles of unity, compromise, and representation of diverse perspectives.

One evening, they decided to attend a local Republican Club meeting, driven by their curiosity to explore alternative viewpoints. The atmosphere was different from what they had expected.

Instead of hostility or exclusion, they found a diverse group of people willing to engage in respectful and open conversations.

As they attended more meetings and met with local Republican members, they discovered a range of perspectives and policies that resonated with their values. They learned about conservative approaches to issues like economic growth, limited government, and personal freedom, which seemed to offer a different path toward achieving the goals they had once held dear.

Their journey wasn’t about abandoning their principles but finding a political home that still upheld those values while offering a more moderate and balanced approach. They met Republicans who were deeply concerned about the direction of the country and who wanted to work together with those from other backgrounds to address challenges.

Over time, Karen and Joe officially switched their party affiliation to the Republican Party. They were greeted with open arms, and the local party members were genuinely excited to welcome them into the fold. The experience was a stark contrast to the divisive and polarizing political climate they had encountered before.

Karen and Joe found that they weren’t alone in their decision to switch parties. Many others in their community and across the country were experiencing a similar shift, searching for a party that embraced diverse perspectives and encouraged open dialogue.

Their journey was a reminder that the strength of a political party lay in its ability to adapt, listen to its members, and provide a platform for all voices. It showed that, regardless of one’s political affiliation, it was crucial to engage in constructive conversations and seek common ground for the betterment of the nation.

Karen and Joe’s story serves as a persuasive reminder for Republicans to continue reaching out to individuals who may be disenchanted with their current political home. It underscores the importance of building a party that is welcoming, inclusive, and open to those seeking a more moderate and balanced approach to addressing the country’s challenges.