👋 Hello from Tallahassee.
Welcome to DOME Weekend Edition, The Florida Pundit’s weekly roundup of the people, policies, campaigns, courts and controversies shaping Florida politics.
This week: Ashley Moody builds statewide support, Byron Donalds stays on the campaign trail, congressional races tighten across South Florida, and a pivotal court hearing could reshape the Republican race for Governor.
🏛️ DOME is The Florida Pundit’s weekend roundup of the people, policies, campaigns, courts, elections and controversies shaping Florida politics. Every Sunday, we recap the week’s biggest developments and preview the stories likely to dominate the week ahead.
🇺🇸 U.S. SENATE WATCH
Ashley Moody Lands $2.5 Million Boost From Citadel Founder
Florida U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody’s political operation received a major financial boost this week after Citadel founder and CEO Ken Griffin contributed $2.5 million to a super PAC supporting her 2026 Senate campaign. The contribution helped the committee report nearly $11 million in cash on hand, reinforcing Moody’s fundraising strength as Republicans prepare for next year’s special election.
🏛️ GOVERNOR’S RACE
Donalds Defends Debate Decision While Campaigning in South Florida
Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds defended his decision to skip a recent Republican debate during a campaign stop in Hialeah, arguing that voters are more interested in solutions than political theater.
Donalds also highlighted proposals aimed at reducing permitting delays and increasing housing construction throughout Florida.
Fishback Ballot Challenge Heads to Court Monday
One of Florida’s highest-profile election lawsuits enters a critical phase Monday when a Leon County judge begins hearing arguments over whether Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback satisfies the Florida Constitution’s seven-year residency requirement.
The ruling could have major implications for the Republican gubernatorial primary.
⚖️ ATTORNEY GENERAL WATCH
James Uthmeier Launches Potassium Bromate Investigation
Attorney General James Uthmeier announced an investigation into the use of potassium bromate in food products sold in Florida, saying the state will examine whether manufacturers are adequately protecting consumers.
The investigation could result in additional enforcement actions or legislative proposals.
🗳️ CONGRESSIONAL WATCH
New Poll Shows Two-Way Race Emerging in Florida’s 24th Congressional District
A new survey indicates the Democratic primary in Florida’s 24th Congressional District is increasingly becoming a contest between Oliver Gilbert III and Shevrin Jones, narrowing what had previously been viewed as a crowded field.
Democratic Primary Intensifies in Florida’s 20th Congressional District
Campaign rhetoric continued escalating this week as candidates competing for Florida’s 20th Congressional District sharpened their contrasts heading toward the August primary election.
Eliott Rodriguez Continues Building Support in CD-27
Veteran broadcaster Eliott Rodriguez continued campaigning across South Florida as candidates compete in one of the state’s most closely watched congressional races.
🏙️ STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Several local government stories are expected to receive increased attention this week, including:
- Miami commissioners weighing the future of the city’s partnership with ICE.
- Florida’s new data center law and its potential effects on communities statewide.
- Hialeah’s multimillion-dollar hospital utility settlement and the accountability questions that remain.
Look for full coverage this week on The Florida Pundit.
👀 WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEK
- Fishback eligibility hearing begins Monday.
- Additional endorsements in the Governor’s race.
- New campaign finance reports.
- Movement in South Florida congressional races.
- Updates from Attorney General James Uthmeier’s consumer protection investigation.
- Local government decisions involving immigration enforcement and development.
📬 Never Miss Florida’s Biggest Political Stories
Related Coverage
- Ashley Moody Lands $2.5 Million Boost From Citadel Founder
- Donalds Defends Debate Decision During Hialeah Campaign Stop
- Judge Sets July 21 Hearing in Fishback Ballot Challenge
- Attorney General James Uthmeier Launches Potassium Bromate Investigation
- New Poll Shows Two-Way Race Emerging in Florida’s 24th Congressional District
- Tensions Escalate in Florida’s 20th Congressional District Democratic Primary
- Eliott Rodriguez Continues Campaign in Florida’s 27th Congressional District
- Florida Elections 2026: Candidates, Races, Ballot Measures & Election News
