Here’s Brunch, a pop-up, weekend email about the 2026 Election Cycle — 8.16.26

Good Sunday morning, and welcome back to “Brunch,” a pop-up newsletter about the 2026 Election Cycle and more.

There are two days until the Primary Election. Consider this a last call to let us know your Election Night party plans for our Primary roundup column. Email your plans to Peter@FloridaPolitics.com.

Late Saturday, Democrats shuffled their Primary lineup, pushing Iowa from the traditional top spot and making South Carolina the leadoff state, voting on Jan. 22, 2028, followed by Nevada on Feb. 1. New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia round out the early states throughout February. The plan was endorsed by the Democratic National Committee at its meeting in Texas.

Be sure to check out our choices for the Winner and Loser of the Week in Florida politics here.

Also, please consider listening to my conversation with Henry Olsen about Florida’s many competitive Congressional Primaries for “Beyond the Polls.” You can listen here.

Now, enjoy Brunch!

— Coalition building —

Byron Donalds announced endorsements from county chairs across Florida ahead of Tuesday’s Primary, assembling a coalition of sheriffs, legislators, and local leaders days before the vote.

— Badges of support: The list includes St. Lucie County Sheriff Richard Del Toro, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Duval County Sheriff TK Waters, among several others across the state.

— Legislative muscle: Sens. Erin Grall, Debbie Mayfield and Ana Maria Rodriguez join Reps. Dean Black, Karen Gonzalez Pittman, Griff Griffitts, Fiona McFarland and Michelle Salzman as county leads.

— Hometown heroes: Jacksonville City Council member Nick Howland and Pensacola Mayor DC Reeves are also leading county efforts.

— Making his case: “Our campaign is building a grassroots movement that is reaching every corner of the state,” Donalds said, pledging to deliver “lower costs, safe streets, and common sense in the Governor’s Mansion.”

— Donalds’ Sunday sprint —

Donalds is spending Sunday making three stops across South Florida as he enters the final stretch before Tuesday’s Republican Primary.

— Florida dream: Donalds kicks off the day with a “Defending the Florida Dream Rally” at The Chicken Place Latin Rotisserie & Cocktail Bar in Port St. Lucie. Media check-in is at 9 a.m., with the event beginning at 9:30 a.m.

— School choice: Donalds then heads to Boca Raton for a fireside chat hosted by Teach Florida PAC, focused on school choice and safety for the Jewish community. Media check-in is at 2:30 p.m., with the event beginning at 3 p.m.; the address will be provided upon RSVP.

— Get out the vote: Donalds wraps the day with a Get Out the Vote Rally at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Boca Raton. Media check-in is at 5 p.m., with the event beginning at 5:30 p.m.

— Rallying the troops —

The Republican Party of Florida is hosting a Victory Rally in Tampa later this month to bring together the party’s statewide nominees ahead of November.

— Mark the date: The event is Thursday at Pepin’s Hospitality Centre, 4121 N 50th St., Tampa, with registration opening at 4 p.m. and the program starting at 5 p.m.

— Rally cry: Party Chair Evan Power called the rally “our launching pad for victory,” pledging to showcase the strength of the party’s grassroots movement.

— Sign up: Interested attendees can enroll here.

— Cooking up confidence —

Democracy Test Kitchen, a free nonpartisan civic engagement platform, launched in Florida ahead of the Primary, letting voters see their full ballot and where candidates stand on the issues they care about.

— The recipe: The platform models candidates’ likely positions on issues based on a wide range of statements and actions, assigning each estimate a confidence rating rather than relying solely on questionnaire responses.

— More on the menu: The site also covers polling locations and party registration lookup, with no sign-up required.

— Taste tested: The platform completed testing in Michigan ahead of that state’s Aug. 4 Primary.

— The head chef: The project was built by a team including former Zillow Chief Analytics Officer Stan Humphries, who says he spent 15 years at the company before launching the platform with colleagues.

— Next course: Florida and Michigan are serving as test states ahead of a planned 50-state launch for the November General Election.

— FAFO ad —

A super PAC-funded ad airing in Florida’s 2nd Congressional District ties Austin Rogers to China with some deep-red imagery.

— Communist China: The ads feature a banner of the Chinese flag with the headline “Liberal Austin Rogers is in Communist China’s pocket.”

— Past employer: The claim is sourced by referencing Rogers’ LinkedIn and saying a former employer did business with China, though it never identifies which employer. Outside of work in the Senate, Rogers worked for the law firm White & Case, which has an office in Hong Kong.

— Voting record: While Rogers has stressed his Panama City roots, the ad also spotlights that he only registered to vote in Florida in March. He previously lived in D.C., prompting the ad to label him a carpetbagger.

— Finding out — The ad was produced by the Freedom Against Federal Overreach (FAFO) PAC, which was formed in February.

To watch the ad, please click the image below:

— Elijah’s edge —

Republican Primary challenger Ryan Elijah leads embattled U.S. Rep. Cory Mills by 17 points in Florida’s 7th Congressional District, according to a new poll from Capital Strategic Partners.

— The numbers: Elijah leads 44% to 27% on the initial ballot, with 19% of voters undecided.

— After the info: When informed of Mills’ ethics investigation, an assault allegation and questions about his business record, Elijah’s lead widens to 28 points, 48% to 20%.

— Time for a change: 54% of respondents say it’s time for a new person in the seat, compared to 26% who say Mills deserves re-election.

— What’s driving voters: Cost of living and the economy ranked as the top issue at 30%, followed by support for President Donald Trump’s agenda at 26%.

The poll surveyed 929 likely voters Aug. 14-15, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percentage points.

— Luna’s lead —

U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna holds an 8-point lead over Democratic challenger Leela Gray in Florida’s 13th Congressional District, according to a new poll from Fabrizio, Lee & Associates.

— The numbers: Luna leads 49% to 41%, with 10% of voters still undecided.

— The math: Pollsters noted that Gray, the front-runner for the Democratic nomination, would need to win nearly all undecided voters to prevail, a steep climb given that group backed President Donald Trump by nearly 20 points in 2024.

— Luna’s edge: The memo cites Luna’s higher name recognition among CD 13 voters as a key factor favoring her re-election.

The poll surveyed 400 likely voters Aug. 4-6, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percentage points.

— Doom scroll wars —

The Conservative Leadership Fund is taking a swipe at Kelly Ann Walker’s social media presence in a new YouTube attack ad, the latest shot in an increasingly personal House District 74 Republican Primary.

— Roasted: The spot mocks the 24-year-old Walker’s online persona and questions whether her political experience qualifies her for the House before pivoting to the developer money behind her campaign.

— The burn book: The ad comes days after an attack from Friends of Kelly Ann Walker, which texted voters allegations that rival Jennifer Winkler offered her ex-husband $150,000 and a vehicle to stay quiet during the campaign. Winkler’s campaign called that attack “despicable” and accused Walker of dragging a private divorce into the race.

— The play: The new spot suggests Walker’s developer support is fueling her political rise with the hope of favorable votes. It’s a premise the Friends of Jennifer Winkler committee recently hit on in a similar ad.

— The stakes: Walker and Winkler are competing with Les Nichols and Venice Mayor Nick Pachota for the Republican nomination to succeed term-limited Rep. James Buchanan. The winner will enter the General Election heavily favored in the Republican-leaning District to face Democrat Ryan Neill in November.

— Doctors’ orders —

The Florida Medical Association PAC rolled out eight more last-minute House endorsements, backing candidates across both parties ahead of the Fall elections.

— Prescribing support: Democratic Rep. Jose Alvarez of Kissimmee earned the group’s backing in House District 46, as did Republican Reps. Bill Conerly of Lakewood Ranch in House District 72, Vanessa Oliver of Punta Gorda in House District 76, Rachel Plakon in House District 36 and Taylor Yarkosky of Montverde in House District 25, as well as Republican candidates Anthony Bonna in House District 85, Chase Brannan in House District 10 and Emily Duda Buckley in House District 38.

— Bedside manner: FMA PAC President Andrew Borom praised the candidates individually, citing Oliver’s work on Health Care Patient Protection legislation and Yarkosky’s collaboration with physicians on healthcare issues.

— Open-seat contenders: Bonna, Brannan and Duda Buckley are running for open seats vacated by term-limited Reps. Toby Overdorf, Chuck Brannan and David Smith, respectively.

— Bipartisan checkup: Alvarez, the lone Democrat in the group, touted support from more than 20,000 Florida physicians in his bid to keep his Osceola County-area seat.

— School Board battles —

After two election cycles, Gov. Ron DeSantis is mostly sitting out this year’s School Board races as Democrats and liberal-leaning organizations step up their game, reports Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO.

— DeSantis sits out: Past elections were driven by book removals, coronavirus policies and culture wars — headlining issues that defined DeSantis’ two terms — but public schools now face pivotal problems like evaporating enrollment and shrinking funds as school choice programs grow. “If the Governor has comments on any local races, he will make it known,” a spokesperson said.

— Orange County showdown: Two incumbents are vying to lead the Orange County School Board, the state’s only race where voters decide the Chair. At stake are the reins of a School District with a budget exceeding $7 billion that just closed seven campuses due to enrollment declines and is now tasked with hiring a new Superintendent. Conservative-leaning Alicia Farrant, aligned with Moms for Liberty, is facing Angie Gallo, backed by Democrats, the teachers’ union and the Southern Poverty Law Center.

— Democrats mobilize: Democrats are pouring resources and attention into races in Orange County. Gallo is backed by nine state lawmakers, including state Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith and state Rep. Anna Eskamani, as well as the local Orange County Classroom Teachers Association and the Florida Education Association.

— GOP response: Farrant has support from area Republicans; state Reps. Doug Bankson, Rachel Plakon, and Susan Plasencia secured endorsements from the local Realtors association, the fraternal order of police, and “Stand for Medical Freedom.” Republican PACs are also backing conservative-leaning candidates elsewhere, including Gino Collura in Pasco County and Donovan Bradley in Duval County.

— Outside groups: The 1776 Project has spent an estimated $300,000 in Florida and endorsed 14 candidates leading up to Tuesday’s vote. Moms for Liberty is still involved, though not to the same degree.

— The big swing: The SPLC Action Fund contributed to a $250,000 mail program for 13 School Board races across the state in combination with Equality Florida’s political committee, sending out 300,000 pieces of mail to more than 200,000 voters. “This is just looking like a decent year for candidates who are kind of tired of Moms for Liberty,” Brandon Jones, the PAC’s director of political campaigns, said.

— Souls to the Polls —

Gwen Graham and Richard Lamondin will campaign together at a “Souls to the Polls” Get Out to Vote Rally in South Dade, hosted by former state Sen. Dwight Bullard.

— Sunday plans: The event runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Palmetto Golf Club parking lot, 9300 SW 152nd St., in Miami. Graham and Lamondin are scheduled to arrive at 3 p.m.

— The stakes: The event will bring together Democratic candidates and community leaders to mobilize voters. Lamondin is already the Democratic nominee for Senate District 38, having qualified unopposed.

— Poll party: The rally will feature food, drinks, games and live music. Graham and Lamondin will be available to the media.

— Election Night lineup —

Spectrum News will air live coverage of Florida’s Primaries across three networks starting at 7 p.m. as polls close.

— Central Florida: Spectrum News 13 anchors Ybeth Bruzual, Tammie Fields, Curtis McCloud and Jeff Allen will lead coverage, joined by political analyst Eddie Fernandez and live reports from Orange County mayoral candidate watch parties.

— Tampa Bay: Spectrum Bay News 9 anchors Holly Gregory and Rick Elmhorst will host, with political analysts Sean Shaw and April Schiff offering perspective alongside live reporting from the St. Petersburg Mayoral and State Senate District 16 watch parties.

— En español: Spectrum Noticias will provide live updates on top races throughout the night from MMJ Jorge Velez.

— Where to watch: Coverage airs on Spectrum Bay News 9 (channel 9), Spectrum News 13 (channel 13) and Spectrum Noticias (channels 47 and 920), with all three also available on the Spectrum News App, Xumo, Roku and Apple devices.

— Data center fight —

Sierra Club Florida is launching a new citizens’ toolkit to help residents and community groups push back against the expansion of AI data centers across the state.

— The toolkit: The group says the resources are intended to help Floridians understand proposed projects, engage with local officials and advocate for protections as AI infrastructure expands. Sierra Club Florida argues that hyperscale data centers can strain energy grids, consume vast amounts of water, destroy wildlife habitat and create severe noise pollution.

— The pitch: Organizing Manager Brooke Alexander-Goss said the toolkit will provide “clear, reliable information and practical resources” to help residents advocate for their communities and the environment.

— The warning: Political and Legislative Director Javier Estevez said Florida can learn from communities elsewhere that have already dealt with hyperscale data centers. He said the Legislature took “the first step” this Session by addressing increased costs, but argued more protections are needed for public health and the environment.

— A local victory: Robin Orlandi, a Citrus County conservation advocate, pointed to a proposed data center that drew more than 200 residents to a nearly nine-hour public hearing before the county unanimously rejected the application. “This victory demonstrates the power of informed, organizing community advocacy,” she said, while warning that “the fight is far from over.”

— Bucs backups lead way —

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers opened the preseason with a 24-16 win over the New York Jets on Friday night.

— The comeback: With few regulars playing, the Bucs saw the Jets score on a pair of first-quarter drives before Tampa Bay tied the game in the second quarter on a 47-yard interception return for a touchdown by Ayden Garnes.

— Ground game grows: The Bucs got second-half rushing touchdowns from Josh Williams and rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels to provide the final margin.

— Third string, first team: Neither starting quarterback Baker Mayfield nor backup Jake Browning played in the game; instead, third-stringer Connor Bazelak got the start.

The Buccaneers will host the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday in the second preseason game before concluding the preseason in Jacksonville against the Jaguars.

— Dolphins fall after strong start —

It was a good start for the new quarterback but a loss for the Miami Dolphins in the preseason opener.

— Willis to work: Malik Willis, signed as a free agent in the offseason, led a 14-play, 93-yard touchdown drive on Miami’s first possession before the Dolphins saw the Washington Commanders score 20 unanswered points.

— Sharp out of the gate: Willis completed four of five passes on the drive and scrambled twice for nine yards before giving way to Quinn Ewers and Cam Miller at quarterback.

— Achane seals it: Running back De’Von Achane capped the drive with a touchdown run against mostly backups for the Commanders.

Next up for the Dolphins are the New York Giants on Saturday afternoon in the second preseason game of Miami’s schedule.

— Popping bottles —

Hayward House is offering a limited-time pairing of Veuve Clicquot and caviar service this week for $175.

— What’s in the tin: The pairing features a full bottle of French Champagne alongside Golden Osetra caviar, imported and prized for its robust, nutty flavor and buttery finish.

— All the trimmings: The caviar service arrives with the classic accompaniments — blinis, crème fraîche, chives, egg and shallot — for guests to build their own bites.

— While supplies last: The deal is available in limited quantities, with the restaurant noting that once it’s gone, it’s gone.

— Happy hour too: Hayward House also runs happy hour weekdays from 3-6 p.m. with cocktails, beer and wine.

— Where to go: Hayward House is at 228 South Adams Street, Tallahassee; reservations can be made at haywardhousetlh.com.

— Brunching Out —

Ma’s Diner is as cozy as it sounds. The local spot is known for its comforting plates of homey breakfast and lunch fare.

— Backstory: Michael Robinson, also known as DJ Ryze, launched Ma’s Diner seven years ago. He’s recently been collaborating with chef and restaurateur Viet Vu to offer new menu items.

— Setting: The storefront eatery in Northeast Tallahassee is lined with rows of booths and counter seating. Behind the counter, there’s a turntable next to stacks of vinyl records. While eating, you may be listening to soft jazz or soul. It sets the mood. A sign states: “HiFi not WiFi.”

— The menu: Customers will find traditional diner fare such as pancakes, country-fried chicken, pork chops, burgers and sandwiches. Vu has created a sandwich special for the diner called The SunRyze Smash: a three-ounce patty of sausage and ground chuck, topped with a hash brown patty, American cheese, a fried egg, and Ma’s flavorful burger sauce. You can’t miss with their satisfying breakfast plate with eggs (your way), sausage and biscuits.

— Details: Ma’s Diner is at 6668-9 Thomasville Road; 850-765-1910. Hours: 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday; 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday to Friday. Closed Monday.

— Bottom line: $29.23 for coffee and two entrées.

The post Here’s Brunch, a pop-up, weekend email about the 2026 Election Cycle — 8.16.26 appeared first on Florida Politics – Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..

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