Politics
Last Call for 9.10.26 – 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 —
Happy milestone birthday to Katie Ballard, Mother of Dragons, Raiser of Political Funds Extraordinaire, Fiercest Friend and a Determined Foe.
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Attorney General James Uthmeier’s campaign is releasing its first television ad of the 2026 cycle, a 30-second spot titled “Caged” running in five Florida markets.
The commercial features several Sheriffs on camera backing Uthmeier’s record on child-predator cases and senior scams. His campaign says more than 90% of Florida’s 67 elected Sheriffs have endorsed him, including both Republicans and Democrats, and that his Office has participated in locking up more than 2,000 child predators since he was appointed in February 2025.
The campaign also credits that work with helping produce the state’s lowest crime rates on record.
“Florida’s sheriffs, both Republican and Democrat, are backing Attorney General James Uthmeier because they’ve seen him do the job,” Campaign Manager Brittany McGivern said.
“He’s been in the fight with them every step of the way.”
Uthmeier, a former DeSantis Chief of Staff, was appointed after Ashley Moody moved to the U.S. Senate. He is seeking a full four-year term and faces Democrat José Javier Rodríguez on Nov. 3.
Both candidates ran unopposed in their respective Primaries.
The Florida Sheriffs Association endorsed Uthmeier in July. Sheriffs appearing in Uthmeier’s ad include Sheriffs Rosie Cordero-Stutz of Miami-Dade County, Bob Gualtieri of Pinellas County, Grady Judd of Polk County, Wayne Ivey of Brevard County, Dennis Lemma of Seminole County, Billy Woods of Marion County and T.K. Waters of Duval County.
The ad launch comes as Uthmeier’s campaign and allied committees have already raised more than $10 million.
To watch the ad, please click the image below:
— Evening Reads —
—“Donald Trump makes case for Iran war, promises $5,000 payouts if GOP wins Midterms” via Isaac Arnsdorf, Natalie Allison of The Washington Post
—“Trump vs. the Blue Wave” via Nate Silver of the Silver Bulletin
—“The 43 looniest lines from Trump’s Republican Convention speech” via Chris Cillizza of So What
—“Seven takeaways from the Republican Midterm Convention” via Patricia Mazzei, Shane Goldmacher of The New York Times
—“What the aftermath of 9/11 taught me” via Hillary Rodham Clinton for The Atlantic
—“AI data center pollution poses health threat, former EPA officials warn” via Hiroko Tabuchi of The New York Times
—“‘Common sense’: Byron Donalds says Florida, red state conservatives must continue to lead the way” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics
—“TikTok wants state’s suit dismissed, responds to state ban on minor social media use” via Jay Waagmeester of the Florida Phoenix
—“Florida starts September on the right foot with a drop in new unemployment filings” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics
—“Is it harder to have kids today? Or is it harder to want to?” via Rachel Cohen of Vox
— Quote of the Day —
“On behalf of Florida, greetings from the number one state in all of America, the great state of Florida.”
— Byron Donalds opening speech (to light boos) at the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas.
— 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.
Byron Donalds asked the Republican Midterm Convention whether voters should “let the arsonists become the firefighter.” Extinguish that one with a Fireman’s Sour.
Anna Paulina Luna told the RNC that Washington needs to “root out” congressional insider trading. Take her literally and order a Root of All Evil.
Ashley Moody isn’t interested in sharing a debate stage with Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Angie Nixon. The Senator has already given the bartender her order: No Thanks.
— Breakthrough Insights —
— Tune In —
Hurricanes host Rattlers
The Miami Hurricanes kick off the second week of the college football season hosting Florida A&M tonight (8 p.m. ET, ACC Network).
The Hurricanes opened the season with a 45-6 victory over Stanford last Friday. Quarterback Darian Mensah’s Miami debut was impressive, throwing for 401 yards and five touchdowns while completing all but three passes in the game. Mensah transferred to Miami from Duke in the offseason.
Mensah wasn’t the only one to shine in the opener. Wide receiver Malachi Toney caught 12 passes for 234 yards and three touchdowns.
Florida A&M played a Week 0 game, a 20-7 win over Albany State, before losing 31-13 at South Carolina State on Sunday. In the loss to South Carolina State, the Rattlers allowed Mason Pickett-Hicks to run for 210 yards while FAMU rushed for -1 yard as a team.
Miami faces Wake Forest next Friday.
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Last Call is published by Peter Schorsch, assembled and edited by Phil Ammann and Drew Wilson, with contributions from the staff of Florida Politics.
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