This week on the roundup we’re looking at how the political year is shaping up, from the wide-open governor’s race to Bill Nelson’s bid to defend his U.S. Senate seat.
In less than 11 months Floridians will choose a new governor and decide if its current Democratic U.S. senator should be sent back to Washington.
Those are the two big political races at the top of ballot in the 2018 midterm elections.
Editor’s Note: U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Palm Coast, entered the race for governor Friday after this podcast was recorded.
It promises to be a long and expensive election year. More than a half dozen candidates already are off and running for governor. And the current governor is widely expected to turn his attention to challenging Bill Nelson for his seat in the U. S. Senate.
At least five of Florida’s Congressional districts will be battleground districts as Democrats look to pick up seats and Republicans aim to shore up their majority on Capitol Hill.
Hurricane Maria may reshape politics as Puerto Ricans move to Florida.
Joining us to discuss the upcoming political year was Tampa Bay Times Political Editor Adam Smith, Politico Reporter Marc Caputo and Diane Roberts, who is a FSU professor, writer, and NPR commentator.
The Florida Legislature
Our panel also looked at the upcoming session that will deal with everything from hurricanes to guns.
