Azaria CEO James Fishback just formally announced his campaign for Governor. The move came after weeks of teasing a run on a conservative, nativist platform. “America is our birthright, and we will never let them steal it from us,” Fishback said in a nearly three-minute video launching his campaign. Fishback posted the video about 40 minutes before a planned press conference in Tallahassee. In the video, Fishback directly attacked U. S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Naples Republican endorsed for Governor by President Donald Trump. Fishback also promoted himself as the clear ideological successor to Gov. Ron DeSantis. “If a Republican politician supports the H-1B scam that fires our workers, he can’t be our next Governor. If he goes out and supports the building of AI data centers that threaten our electric bills and our water supply, he can’t be our next Governor. And if he goes to Congress and does nothing for us but makes millions of dollars trading stocks for himself, he can’t be our next Governor,” Fishback said. “Congressman Byron Donalds can’t be our next Governor because he won’t fight for Florida like Ron DeSantis has. I will. I’ll fight to preserve Governor DeSantis’ wins by keeping Florida free from DEI (diversity equity and inclusion), radical transgenderism, (George) Soros-backed prosecutors, child predators, voter fraud and the millions of illegals that invaded our country on Kamala Harris’ watch.” Meanwhile, he focused on affordability and touted his own roots to the Sunshine State while promising to visit all 67 Florida counties on the campaign trail. “I’m running for Florida Governor so I can make life more affordable for you and your family, easier to afford groceries, to buy a home, to raise a family, and when it’s all said and done, to retire with dignity,” Fishback said. Notably, Fishback, also the founder of the conservative Incubate Debate competitions, jumps into the ring as speculation rises about Lt. Gov. Jay Collins entering the contest. Collins was named to his post by DeSantis earlier this year and would likely also run as DeSantis’ natural successor, likely with the Governor’s endorsement.
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/767120-james-fishback-launches-campaign-for-governor/
Tag: affordability
Zohran Mamdani stands by President Trump criticism despite friendly White House meeting
WASHINGTON New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani didn’t back down in an interview that aired Sunday from past criticism that President Donald Trump acted like a despot and a fascist after a surprisingly friendly White House meeting between the two men. The newly elected democratic socialist and the Republican president have fiercely criticized each other in the past. Trump called Mamdani a “100% Communist Lunatic” in a social media post following the incoming mayor’s election victory, and Mamdani has said Trump was attacking democracy. Yet the two political foils emerged smiling after the meeting Friday and spoke of shared goals. Pressed about his past criticism during a “Meet the Press” interview conducted Saturday, Mamdani said his views remained unchanged. “Everything that I’ve said in the past, I continue to believe,” Mamdani said. “And that’s the thing that I think is important in our politics, is that we don’t shy away from where we have disagreements, but we understand what it is that brings us to that table, because I’m not coming into the Oval Office to make a point or make a stand. I’m coming in there to deliver for New Yorkers.” Trump had brushed aside Mamdani’s criticisms Friday and even jumped in on his defense several times. When a reporter asked if Mamdani stood by his comments that Trump is a fascist, Trump interjected before Mamdani could fully answer the question. “That’s OK. You can just say yes. OK?” Trump said. “It’s easier. It’s easier than explaining it. I don’t mind.” Asked about the fascist criticism on “Meet the Press,” Mamdani said, “That’s something that I’ve said in the past. I say it today. ” Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, said on CNN’s “State of the Union” talk show that Trump wants to work with everybody who cares about the future of the American people. “We’re at times disagreeing about policies,” Hassett said, “but I think that the objective of making life better for everybody is something that a lot of people share on the Democratic and Republican side.” Though far apart politically, the White House meeting offered potential political benefits for both men. The incoming mayor was able to meet one-on-one with the president, and Trump got to to talk about affordability, an issue that is increasingly important to voters.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/23/mamdani-trump-criticism/
Sherrill says she has a mandate as New Jersey’s next governor and will focus on affordability
**New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill Says She Has a Mandate to Make State More Affordable**
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill said Wednesday she believes she has a clear mandate to fulfill her campaign promises focused on making the state more affordable. The Democrat is also dialing back her criticism of Republican President Donald Trump—for now—as she sets up her administration amid Democratic victories in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and New York City.
Sherrill met with Gov. Phil Murphy, D-N.J., at his statehouse office, where they discussed the transition. When asked if her double-digit victory over Republican Jack Ciattarelli signaled a mandate, the congresswoman responded, “Yes, I do, a big one.”
While Sherrill did not directly address how her centrist victory in a state that had been shifting to the right aligns with the election of democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani as New York City mayor—a candidate favored by the Democrats’ progressive wing—she remained focused on her core message of affordability.
“The reason I was so focused on affordability issues is because my communities are focused on affordability issues and how they’re going to be successful,” Sherrill said.
She has promised to issue an executive order to freeze monthly electricity bills and aims to expand a program for first-time homebuyers.
During the campaign, Sherrill strongly criticized Trump’s tariffs, describing them as “a worldwide extortion racket,” and positioned him as a key foil in the race. Although she has not yet spoken to Trump, she expressed willingness to collaborate on bringing federal funds into the state—particularly for the Gateway rail tunnel project connecting New Jersey with Manhattan. The Trump administration froze funds for the project amid the government shutdown.
In defeating Ciattarelli, Sherrill flipped counties that had supported Republicans in the previous year’s presidential and gubernatorial races. She also performed strongly among nonwhite voters, winning about 7 in 10, according to the AP Voter Poll, which surveyed more than 4,000 New Jersey voters.
This is a promising sign for Democrats who have been trying to regain support among nonwhite voters after Trump made gains in this demographic in 2024. Sherrill captured about half of the state’s white voters, who comprise 7 in 10 voters overall.
The poll found that approximately 9 in 10 Black voters supported Sherrill, along with about 8 in 10 Asian voters. Hispanic voters were more divided, but around two-thirds favored Sherrill, while only about 3 in 10 voted for Ciattarelli.
Last year, Trump made inroads with Black and Hispanic communities in New Jersey, narrowing the Democratic margin from 16 percentage points in 2020 to just 6 points.
The poll also highlighted economic messaging: Sherrill won about 7 in 10 voters who said their family’s finances were “falling behind,” a group comprising roughly one-quarter of voters.
“What I saw was that our message was resonating,” Sherrill said.
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Associated Press writer Linley Sanders in Washington contributed to this report.
https://ktar.com/national-news/sherrill-says-she-has-a-mandate-as-new-jerseys-next-governor-and-will-focus-on-affordability/5771071/
Trump heads to Miami to speak about his economic agenda on the anniversary of his election win
By SEUNG MIN KIM, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is heading to Miami on Wednesday, the anniversary of his reelection to a second term, to speak to a forum of business leaders and global athletes about what he sees as his economic achievements.
His speech to the American Business Forum will provide a broad look at his economic agenda and highlight how investments he has secured abroad are benefiting U.S. communities, according to a senior White House official. This marks a significant effort from Trump to put a positive spin on the economy, especially at a time when Americans remain uneasy about their finances and the cost of living. Many of Tuesday’s election campaigns were centered on issues of affordability and economic stability.
The AP Voter Poll, which surveyed more than 17,000 voters in New Jersey, Virginia, California, and New York City, indicated that the public is concerned about higher prices and fewer job opportunities. These worries persist despite Trump’s promises to tame inflation and spur growth.
In his speech, Trump is expected to address key issues including deregulation, energy independence, oil prices, and affordability, according to the senior White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to preview the president’s remarks.
Last week, Trump spent five days in Asia with stops in Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, working to ease trade tensions with Beijing in a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. In Tokyo, he advocated for several major energy and tech projects that Japan will help fund for the U.S.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said he believes Trump’s recent travels “have been transformational in his presidency” and described the upcoming speech as a highlight of the forum. Organizers have characterized the event as a more accessible version of high-profile gatherings like the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, or the Milken Institute Global Conference, which convene the world’s elite for discussions on the economy.
“This conference not only is creating this incredible collection of people, but it’s also creating them in a particular moment in time,” said Suarez, a Republican.
Trump’s visit also underscores Miami’s growing influence during his second term. Next year, Trump is set to host leaders from the world’s leading rich and developing economies at the Group of 20 summit, to be held at his golf club in the nearby city of Doral. This decision has sparked criticism over the potential appearance of impropriety, though Trump has maintained that his family’s business will not profit from hosting the summit.
Trump’s sons are currently running the Trump Organization while their father is in office. The president has also stated that his family’s business will not make any money by holding the summit at the golf club.
Miami is also where Trump hopes to locate his future presidential library, although a legal challenge is underway regarding whether a plot of land in downtown Miami is being properly transferred for this purpose.
Additionally, Miami is one of the U.S. host cities for next year’s World Cup—an event the president has eagerly promoted as the kickoff to several major global sporting events that the U.S. will host. Ensuring the success of the World Cup has become a top priority for the Trump administration.
https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/11/05/trump-miami/
State Sen. Mack Bernard introduces 5 bills to cut property taxes for Florida homeowners
**Florida Lawmakers Propose New Bills to Cut Rising Property Taxes**
*WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.* — Florida lawmakers are introducing new solutions to tackle the rising property taxes that continue to burden homeowners across the state. State Senator Mack Bernard, a Democrat and former Palm Beach County commissioner, has filed five bills aimed at reducing property taxes for Floridians.
> *WATCH BELOW: State senator from Palm Beach County introduces 5 bills to cut property taxes in Florida*
“On Nov. 1, residents are going to receive their tax bills,” Bernard said. “What relief can we provide these residents?”
Bernard’s five bills, filed on October 23, focus on providing property tax breaks to first-time homesteaders, senior homeowners, and long-time Florida residents. The bills include:
– **S 270:** Homestead Property Exemption for Persons Age 65 or Older
– **S 272:** Homestead Exemption for Persons 65 and Older
– **S 274:** Homestead Property Tax Benefits for Long-term Owners
– **S 276:** Homestead Property Tax Benefits for Long-term Owners and Permanent Residents
– **S 278:** Limitation on the Assessed Value of New Homestead Property
“When we talk about affordability, people often mention insurance reform,” Bernard explained. “But with insurance reform, you still have to wait on that insurance company, and eventually you may get $100. If you’re a senior, we’re going to exempt your property taxes — you will know exactly that savings.”
In addition to senior homeowners, some bills offer tax breaks for first-time homebuyers and long-term residents. Bernard elaborated, “If you’ve been paying a homestead exemption in this state for more than 20 years, then after 20 years we’re going to cap your assessment. Then after 30 years, what we’re saying is we’re going to give you a 50 percent exemption on your property taxes.”
Meanwhile, House Republicans have introduced eight bills aimed at cutting property taxes, but face criticism from Governor Ron DeSantis, who has called those proposals “half measures.” DeSantis insists that only one plan should proceed to the 2026 ballot.
“We have more ideas that haven’t been put on paper yet that are certainly out there, more ways to find relief,” said State Representative Toby Overdorf (R-Stuart), co-chair of a select committee on property taxes.
With Republicans controlling the Capitol, Bernard expressed optimism about moving forward with discussions on how best to help homeowners: “If my bill doesn’t pass, I’m good. All I care about is the residents having relief.”
The future of Bernard’s bills and other property tax relief measures will become clearer when lawmakers convene in January for the legislative session.
https://www.wptv.com/money/real-estate-news/state-sen-mack-bernard-introduces-5-bills-to-cut-property-taxes-for-florida-homeowners