Last Call for 1.13.26 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.

First Shot

Gov. Ron DeSantis used his final State of the State address to defend his record, tout conservative policy wins, and urge lawmakers to move quickly on his remaining priorities as the 2026 Legislative Session begins.

In his remarks, DeSantis portrayed Florida as a fiscally disciplined state that has expanded school choice, cracked down on illegal immigration, and prevailed in cultural fights he said are shaping national politics. 

He called on lawmakers to advance legislation targeting immigration enforcement, diversity, equity and inclusion programs, gun rights, and rural development, while striking a more conciliatory tone on property tax relief and encouraging legislators to place a proposal before voters.

DeSantis also defended the Hope Florida initiative, crediting the program and First Lady Casey DeSantis with helping move Floridians off public assistance, and warned of emerging risks tied to artificial intelligence, energy demand, and economic disruption. He highlighted environmental restoration efforts in the Everglades and repeatedly framed his administration’s agenda through historical references tied to the nation’s founding.

Democrats responded with sharp criticism of the Governor’s tenure, arguing his focus on culture wars and political ambition has come at the expense of affordability, health care access, and ethical governance.

___

House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell, of Tampa, said:

“As the curtain closes on the DeSantis Era in Florida politics, we need to decide how we judge success. For too long, Tallahassee was focused on one man’s ambitions and desires, while life got more and more expensive for the 23 million other people who live here.” She continued, “Democrats are here to fight for a Florida where we all have the freedom to be healthy, prosperous, and safe; where we can all afford to live, work, and raise a family with dignity and on our own terms. We’re here to do the people’s business. We invite the Governor to join us.”

___

Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman issued a lengthy statement saying, in part:

“We just heard Gov. DeSantis’s take on how the State of Florida is doing under his watch, and as usual, the Governor remains completely out of touch with reality. Eight years of his ineffective and dangerous leadership has left Florida less affordable and more corrupt. He’s prioritized politics over action, ignored the affordability crisis, attacked our local governments, and appointed his friends to high-paying positions on the taxpayers’ dime. … Gov. DeSantis has consistently failed to put the needs of the people ahead of his political ambitions.”

___

St. Petersburg Democratic Rep. Michele Rayner said:

“Today, we heard a speech from a diabolical man who’s clearly more concerned with his political legacy than the lives of everyday Floridians. While Gov. DeSantis celebrates a ‘Free State’ and talks about the 1700s and ‘societies of men,’ here in reality in 2026, people in my district feel less free than ever as they struggle with crushing food and housing costs on top of a persistent property insurance crisis. Instead of truly addressing urgent issues like these, DeSantis chose to primarily focus on culture wars, political theater, and downright lies to cover up the reality of how he’s hurt our state and the people living here. Floridians deserve a leader who views service as more than a platform for personal ambition – someone who puts them first. Regardless of the Governor’s bizarre rhetoric, I will continue fighting to protect voting rights and support our underserved neighbors. While this administration’s time will eventually (and gratefully) end, our work to build a healthy, safe, and truly free Florida is only just beginning. My priority remains exactly where it has always been: with the people.”

___

West Park Democratic Sen. Shevrin Jones said:

“Today we heard more of the same from the Governor, who continues to prioritize extremism and partisan gamesmanship over actually getting things done for the people of Florida. Thanks to Republicans’ disastrous economic agenda, Floridians are having their health care ripped away and feeling crushed by an affordability crisis that’s making just existing, let alone thriving, damn near impossible. If the Governor’s serious about delivering for communities across the state, he should consider coming to the table with real solutions – not just more inflammatory and self-promotional rhetoric. I won’t hold my breath.” 

___

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said:

“Today, ahead of Ron DeSantis’ final State of the State address, the state of Florida has never had worse leadership, and it’s all because of Donald Trump and bootlicking Florida Republicans, like DeSantis. Working Floridians are struggling as costs continue to rise, health care becomes more expensive and less attainable, and education and opportunity in the state become even further out of reach. Ron DeSantis will try to paper over his failures, but the results are clear: Florida’s Republican leadership has failed working Floridians, and electing Democrats up and down the ticket is the only way to make Florida more affordable and right the ship.”

___

Still, the Governor’s remarks didn’t go without praise. Skylar Zander, the State Director of conservative advocacy group Americans for Prosperity-Florida, said:

“Today’s State of the State address highlights the important decisions lawmakers will face this year as Florida’s growth continues. Americans for Prosperity-Florida welcomes the opportunity to partner with Governor DeSantis and legislative leaders on policies that keep costs down for families while upholding fiscal responsibility and limited government. As Floridians navigate rising housing costs, energy affordability challenges, and the need to build on strong education outcomes, this Legislative Session presents an opportunity to pursue practical, market-driven solutions. By building on recent insurance reforms, expanding access to reliable and affordable energy, supporting free-market housing solutions that reduce burdensome zoning barriers, and continuing to lead on education freedom, Florida can continue building an economy that works for taxpayers, parents, and job creators.”

Evening Reads

—“America’s biggest power grid operator has an AI problem — too many data centers” via Katherine Blunt and Jennifer Hiller of The Wall Street Journal

—”The U.S. House Republican majority is down to almost nothing” via Ashley Wu and Annie Karni of The New York Times

—”Neal Dunn to retire, won’t seek re-election in CD 2” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics

—“‘We have set the standard’: In final State of the State, Gov. Ron DeSantis says his tenure delivered for Floridians” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics

—”House Speaker Daniel Perez delivers brief opening day Session speech short on details” via Christine Sexton of the Florida Phoenix

—“Perez warns of tough choices in 2026 as House braces for tax, insurance, drug-cost battles” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics

—“GOP bad blood lingers as Florida Legislative Session starts” via Gray Rohrer and Ana Goñi-Lessan of USA Today Network-Florida

—“One million Floridians won’t have full representation for high-stakes Legislative Session” via Kate Payne of The Tributary

—“Carlos Guillermo Smith says he has a fix for dirty waters” via Bethany Barnes and Shreya Vuttaluru of the Tampa Bay Times

—”Gov. DeSantis boots José Oliva, a former ally, off state university Board” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics

Quote of the Day

“Honestly, I don’t know what is going to happen. That’s OK, because the journey is the best part.”

— House Speaker Daniel Perez, on the 2026 Legislative Session.

Put it on the Tab

Look to your left, then look to your right. If you see one of these people at your happy hour haunt, flag down the bartender and put one of these on your tab. Recipes included, just in case the Cocktail Codex fell into the well.

Ron DeSantis had a busy day, but he still found time to serve The Boot to former House Speaker and now former SUS Board of Governors member José Oliva.

If you want to give U.S. Reps. Aaron Bean, Laurel Lee or Anna Paulina Luna a bottle of Trade Secrets, you better hurry — their insider trading ban is moving through the House.

U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn could use a Fond Farewell as he winds down his time in Congress and returns to Panama City.

Breakthrough Insights

Tune In

Gators look to build momentum at Sooners

The Florida Gators look to build on a pair of Top 25 wins as they travel to face unranked Oklahoma tonight (9 p.m. ET, ESPN2).

Florida knocked off No. 18 Georgia and 21st-ranked Tennessee last week after opening SEC play with a loss at Missouri. As a result of the two wins, Florida returned to the Associated Press Top 25, ranked 19th this week. 

The Gators (11-5) have lost three games to teams currently ranked in the top six (Arizona, UConn, and Duke). Florida’s schedule doesn’t get any easier. After tonight’s game, Florida goes to No. 10 Vanderbilt and still has games against ranked teams Alabama, Georgia, and Arkansas remaining on the schedule.

Vanderbilt and Texas A&M are the only teams without a loss in conference play. Florida is one of five SEC teams at 2-1 at this point in the season.

Forward Thomas Haugh leads the Gators, scoring 17.2 points per game, one of five players averaging in double figures. Center Rueben Chinyelu is among the top 10 rebounders in the nation, averaging 10.6 boards per game.

Oklahoma (11-5, 1-2 in SEC) has lost the last two games, both on the road at Mississippi State and Texas A&M. The losses followed a five-game winning streak that included the Sooners’ conference opener against Ole Miss. Playing in his sixth season of college basketball, guard Nijel Pack leads the Sooners, averaging 16.4 points per game.

___

Last Call is published by Peter Schorsch, assembled and edited by Phil Ammann and Drew Wilson, with contributions from the staff of Florida Politics.