Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil has endorsed Democrat José Javier Rodríguez in the race for Florida attorney general, according to Florida Politics. McNeil said Rodríguez would support law enforcement through cooperation with sheriffs and police departments. Rodríguez, a former state senator and Biden administration official, is challenging incumbent James Uthmeier, who took office by appointment. The endorsement adds a prominent law enforcement voice to Rodríguez’s campaign as voters prepare to choose the state’s next attorney general.
Florida Politics reports that campaigns have launched ads ahead of Miami’s Nov. 3 vote on a $450 million public safety bond and a proposed Virginia Key marina lease. Supporters say the bond would fund fire stations and emergency facilities; the city resolution caps its debt tax rate. Opponents of the lease question Suntex’s marina record and allege unpaid revenue, claims the company has disputed in a separate matter. The lease proposal includes redevelopment work and renewal options.
The Floridian reports that resurfaced images show Scott Singer, a Republican challenging U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz in Florida’s 25th District, at a 2024 meeting with Qatar’s municipal affairs minister. A political action committee criticized Singer’s participation, arguing it raised concerns about ties to Qatar; that is a political claim, not evidence of disloyalty. The excerpt says the meeting involved U.S. mayors and covered municipal cooperation. Singer has also denied knowing about a past endorsement cited in the article.
The Floridian reports that U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos and Democratic challenger Jennifer Jenkins debated affordability, health care, Amendment 3, social welfare and veterans’ issues in Florida’s 8th Congressional District. They offered competing explanations for economic pressures and proposals, with Haridopolos touting federal tax changes and Jenkins criticizing the administration’s policies. The article also recounts their differing views on beach redevelopment and federal funding. Jenkins canceled a planned debate watch party, citing technical problems; the excerpt provides no evidence that the cancellation reflected the debate’s outcome.
WUSF reports that Palm Beach County election officials removed President Donald Trump’s personal details from public voter registration records after he requested privacy under a Florida law that does not list the president among eligible officials. The office approved the request without checking whether he qualified, according to the report. A lawmaker involved in drafting the measure said the omission was accidental and supports adding presidential protections. The change also makes it harder to see whether Trump votes by mail or in person.
The South Florida Police Benevolent Association has endorsed Miami Commissioner Ralph Rosado for a full term after supporting his opponent in the 2025 special election, Florida Politics reports. Rosado’s campaign announced the endorsement Tuesday. Union President Steadman Stahl credited Rosado’s public safety priorities and support for officers. The endorsement adds to backing from two other police organizations. Rosado won the special election against Jose Regalado with 55% of the vote on 11% turnout.
Republican U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody leads Democrat Angie Nixon 50% to 40% in a Mason-Dixon survey, Florida Politics reports. Eight percent remain undecided, while 2% favor another candidate. The telephone poll surveyed 625 likely voters from Sept. 28 through Oct. 1 and has a four-point margin of error. Independents favored Nixon, though subgroup uncertainty is greater. Other public surveys cited in the report show varying margins, including a September poll that found the candidates tied.
The Palm Beach County Republican Party removed Mike Caruso from its voter guide after he was charged with five felony counts involving alleged child molestation, Florida Phoenix reports. Gov. Ron DeSantis, who suspended Caruso following his August arrest, criticized the party’s initial support. Caruso remains on the Nov. 3 ballot against Yvette Drucker. DeSantis acknowledged Caruso’s presumption of innocence while arguing that a party endorsement requires a separate political judgment.
Trevor Mallory has added endorsements from former mayors Bill Foster and Rick Baker, giving him support from St. Petersburg’s three most recent former mayors, Florida Politics reports. Rick Kriseman previously endorsed him. Mallory is seeking the District 6 council seat against Linsey Grove in the Nov. 3 runoff. Grove led the August primary, but the electorate changes for November: voters across St. Petersburg will decide the race after a primary restricted to the district.
Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized Palm Beach County Republicans for endorsing Mike Caruso, who faces child sexual abuse charges, Florida Politics reports. The county party withdrew its support after backlash from state Republicans and removed him from its voter guide. DeSantis suspended Caruso from the clerk’s office following his arrest. Caruso denies wrongdoing, has pleaded not guilty and remains a candidate. Voters will choose between him and Democrat Yvette Drucker on Nov. 3 while the criminal case proceeds.
Democrat Pia Dandiya will benefit from a $10 million advertising effort supporting eight congressional candidates, Florida Politics reports. Everytown for Gun Safety and House Majority PAC are funding television and digital ads, though Dandiya’s allocation was not disclosed. A Moms Demand Action volunteer, she faces Republican Casey Askar in Florida’s redrawn 22nd Congressional District. The groups say their campaign aims to elect candidates backing gun safety measures and help Democrats regain control of the House.
Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Angie Nixon focused on household costs, college access and health care at a University of South Florida rally attended by several hundred people, WUSF reports. Nixon argued that political priorities, rather than a shortage of money, prevent free college, universal health care and higher teacher pay. Students and recent graduates interviewed at the Tampa event described concerns about insurance expenses, education costs and finding work, explaining why affordability figures prominently in their interest in her campaign.
