Good morning and welcome to Monday.The Republican nervousness around the special election in Florida’s deep-red Sixth Congressional District was enough to bring Democratic National Committee Chair KEN MARTIN to the area to canvass over the weekend.Buoyed by strong performances in recent special elections, including a narrow state Senate win in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the DNC is now turning its attention to the race between Republican state Sen. RANDY FINE and progressive teacher JOSH WEIL.“I wanted to come out to make sure that we help close strong in this election,” Martin, a longtime Democratic tactician and Minnesota state party leader, told Playbook in a phone interview after spending the morning in DeLand.More than halfway through the 25-minute interview, however, Martin hadn’t brought up Fine once. When Playbook pointed this out, he said: “I haven’t heard much about him at the doors, to be honest with you. And so I think this race is about Donald Trump and Elon Musk and people’s deep dissatisfaction with what’s happening.”What are voters bending his ear about instead? Concerns about how life is still very expensive and could become more so under looming tariffs, he said, and fears from seniors who worry Trump will cut Social Security.Trump promised repeatedly that he wouldn’t touch people’s benefits, but that hasn’t stopped Democrats from accusing Republicans down-ballot of wanting to cut Social Security anyway. Seniors have reported seeing their services impacted through longer wait times when they call the agency after a swath of federal workforce firings.“There’s a lot of buyer’s remorse right now amongst the Republican base and voters who felt like Donald Trump was actually going to do something to improve their lives,” Martin said, “but he hasn’t.”While Martin said he thought Weil could win, he also said a close race would send a message about how voters were feeling about Trump’s presidency. The White House did not respond to a request for comment, but Gov. RON DESANTIS recently disputed such assessments, instead blaming the closer-than-expected race on a “candidate-specific issue.” (It’s not clear whether certain other factors may be at play, including whether GOP voters are holding out against Fine because he clashed with DeSantis over the last year.)Nevertheless, Martin’s comments help show how Democrats are messaging and strategizing as the party struggles to regain its footing after Trump’s November victory. Martin said Florida and the rest of the South were hugely important to Democrats given population growth. Florida alone could gain as many as five congressional seats “and so we can’t give up on Florida,” he said.Martin acknowledged overcoming Republicans’ 1.2 million voter registration advantage wouldn’t be easy. But Martin added a good place to focus would be on unregistered voters. He declined to share just how much the DNC is spending in the special election, other than to say it was a “six-figure investment.”This isn’t the first time national Democrats have promised to take Florida seriously. They said repeatedly leading up to the 2024 election that Florida was in play — even as Vice President KAMALA HARRIS never visited the state after she became the presidential nominee, and even as Democrats spent little cash here.So, what’s different this time? “This is a new DNC,” Martin said. “I’m a new chair. I ran on a platform of getting the DNC out of DC and not focusing just on seven battleground states and a few congressional races. I ran on a 50-state strategy, which means we are contesting races up and down the ballot, not just congressional races, but local races, state races, federal races, and that we’re going to compete everywhere.”WHERE’S RON? Gov. DeSantis is speaking to Florida Realtors in Orlando at 9:30 a.m.Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget that Playbook should look at? Get in touch at:.
BUDGET BATTLE AHEAD — “The Republican-controlled Florida House and Senate are on a budget collision course, rolling out widely disparate spending plans Friday that are billions apart in total spending and philosophy,” reports POLITICO’s Gary Fineout.“Florida legislators are entering their first year since the Covid-19 pandemic without the influx of federal aid that had been used on a long line of initiatives and projects sought by legislative leaders and Gov. Ron DeSantis.“House Speaker Daniel Perez added a significant twist to the budget debate by announcing this week that the House wants a dramatic, nearly $5 billion cut in the state’s sales tax, the main revenue source used to balance the budget.”PRESSURE TO APPOINT NEW CFO — “State Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has ordered his name be removed from all official documents, including payments from the state treasury, a move that raises legal questions over how Florida will pay its bills,” reports POLITICO’s Gary Fineout.“Patronis will step down from his post Monday, one day before he appears on the ballot in the special election to pick former Rep. Matt Gaetz’ successor. Earlier this week, he strongly urged Gov. Ron DeSantis to appoint a new CFO no later than April 2, in part to avoid running ‘afoul’ of Florida laws regarding who can authorize state payments.”DESANTIS V. PEREZ — “For six years, Gov. Ron DeSantis got nearly everything he wanted from the GOP-led Legislature with little pushback,” reports Greg Rohrer of USA Today Network — Florida.“Now, as he seeks to cement his legacy in his last two years in office, DeSantis’ agenda is getting stymied on several fronts. And House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, is the one throwing most of the roadblocks in his path as the annual legislative session, now underway, approaches the halfway mark.”— “‘Above and beyond': Gov. DeSantis hosts ‘Florida’s Heroes’ at Governor’s Mansion,”reports Jim Rosica of USA Today Network — Florida.— “Could proposed state Senate funding for food banks soften blow from federal cuts?”by Jackie Llanos of the Florida Phoenix.— “Longtime Osceola whooping crane sent away, leaving only 4 in Florida,”by Natalia Jaramillo of the Orlando Sentinel.
OUSTED — “A New College of Florida professor was abruptly fired this month under a controversial state law that limits public universities from employing people from so-called ‘countries of concern,’ including China, Cuba, Iran, Russia and Venezuela,” reports Alice Herman of Suncoast Searchlight.“Kevin Wang, a Chinese academic who is seeking asylum and authorized to work in the United States, had been teaching Chinese language and culture classes at the small liberal arts college in Sarasota for nearly two years when, on March 12, the school terminated his contract, citing a university regulation based on that law, known as SB 846. His letter of dismissal … claimed, Wang’s immigration status — and, implicitly, his country of origin‚ made him ineligible for employment at New College.”SCOTUS APPEAL — “The Trump administration on Friday asked the Supreme Court for permission to resume deportations of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador under an 18th century wartime law, while a court fight continues,” reports Mark Sherman of The Associated Press.“The emergency appeal to the high court follows a rejection of the Republican administration’s plea to the federal appeals court in Washington. By a 2-1 vote, a panel of appellate judges left in place an order temporarily prohibiting deportations of the migrants under the rarely used Alien Enemies Act.”— “Wait List: Families on hold for childcare help as Florida fixes funding formula,”by Saundra Amrhein of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.— “Overdose deaths in Orange County dropped 30 percent in 2024, new data shows,”by McKenna Schueler of Orlando Weekly.
TONIGHT — DeSantis is hosting leaders from the Republican Party of Florida at the governor’s mansion for a reception. An estimated 261 invitations went out to members of Congress, the Legislature and grassroots volunteers.BEHIND THE SCENES — “The sudden panic over Florida’s special elections has finally put President Trump on the same page as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.): The GOP’s margin is too close for comfort,” reports Axios’ Marc Caputo and Hans Nichols.“Trump is coming to terms with how difficult it’s going to be for him and Johnson to pass a massive tax and spending bill this summer. The president’s shock decision to keep Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) in the House was accelerated by concerns over the special elections, but it was ultimately made to create more ‘breathing room’ for House margins, sources tell us.”
WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEKEND — Taking the stage to “The Time is Now” to kick off his gubernatorial campaign, Rep. BYRON DONALDS cast himself as a natural extension of DeSantis’ “free state of Florida” mantra.He also reminded the crowd he was Trump’s pick. “He has endorsed me because he knows I will lead with courage, conviction and common sense,” Donalds said from the stage at the Sugarshack Downtown, a Bonita Springs restaurant and music venue. “And that’s what our state needs: to remain the blueprint for what is possible in America. As your next governor, I’ll fix what’s broken while building on what makes Florida the best state in America.”— “Taxpayer-funded staffers for Ron DeSantis solicit lobbyist cash as his wife considers a 2026 run,”reports Matt Dixon of NBC News.ALSO TONIGHT — Donalds will hold a tele-town hall with Fine and conservative commentator BEN SHAPIRO. (See the details.)… More about the race: A look at the spending for Fine’s campaign shows nearly $350,000 — one-third of the amount he reported raising in campaign finance disclosures earlier this month — went to consulting firm Big Dog Strategies, which included strategy sessions and direct mailings. One of the employees at the firm, BRYAN PILIGRA, is a spokesperson for Fine.… In the closing days of the campaign, Fine received contributions from corporate political committees for NextEra Energy, Boeing, Comcast and General Dynamics, disclosures show.— “Bernie Sanders backs Josh Weil in CD 6,”by A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics.SENATE WATCH — Rep. CORY MILLS (R-Fla.) told Playbook over the weekend that he was still “eyeballing the seat” for Senate that will be up for election in 2026. DeSantis appointed ASHLEY MOODY to the job after Trump picked MARCO RUBIO as secretary of State. Mills, who interviewed for the job with DeSantis as well, said he had “not ruled it out” but that the most important factor would be who the president wants to see in the seat and if he’s willing to endorse him.
— “In private meeting, Vance and top advisers suggested Trump oust Waltz,”reports POLITICO’s Rachael Bade and Dasha Burns.— “A weekend ritual for Trump’s Florida die-hards to get a brief glimpse of their political hero,”by The Associated Press’ Chris Megerian.— “Anna Paulina Luna: The truth is still out there on JFK assassination,”by Ali Bianco of POLITICO.
— Rep. ALEX ANDRADE (R-Pensacola) had some thoughts he aired on X about the DeSantis admin’s spending.— “SpaceX scrubs Sunday launch, with try for 2 Monday including next human spaceflight,”reports Richard Tribou of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.BIRTHDAY: State Rep. Dana Trabulsy … (was Sunday) former Rep. Patrick Murphy.
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BUDGET BATTLE AHEAD — “The Republican-controlled Florida House and Senate are on a budget collision course, rolling out widely disparate spending plans Friday that are billions apart in total spending and philosophy,” reports POLITICO’s Gary Fineout.“Florida legislators are entering their first year since the Covid-19 pandemic without the influx of federal aid that had been used on a long line of initiatives and projects sought by legislative leaders and Gov. Ron DeSantis.“House Speaker Daniel Perez added a significant twist to the budget debate by announcing this week that the House wants a dramatic, nearly $5 billion cut in the state’s sales tax, the main revenue source used to balance the budget.”PRESSURE TO APPOINT NEW CFO — “State Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has ordered his name be removed from all official documents, including payments from the state treasury, a move that raises legal questions over how Florida will pay its bills,” reports POLITICO’s Gary Fineout.“Patronis will step down from his post Monday, one day before he appears on the ballot in the special election to pick former Rep. Matt Gaetz’ successor. Earlier this week, he strongly urged Gov. Ron DeSantis to appoint a new CFO no later than April 2, in part to avoid running ‘afoul’ of Florida laws regarding who can authorize state payments.”DESANTIS V. PEREZ — “For six years, Gov. Ron DeSantis got nearly everything he wanted from the GOP-led Legislature with little pushback,” reports Greg Rohrer of USA Today Network — Florida.“Now, as he seeks to cement his legacy in his last two years in office, DeSantis’ agenda is getting stymied on several fronts. And House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, is the one throwing most of the roadblocks in his path as the annual legislative session, now underway, approaches the halfway mark.”— “‘Above and beyond': Gov. DeSantis hosts ‘Florida’s Heroes’ at Governor’s Mansion,”reports Jim Rosica of USA Today Network — Florida.— “Could proposed state Senate funding for food banks soften blow from federal cuts?”by Jackie Llanos of the Florida Phoenix.— “Longtime Osceola whooping crane sent away, leaving only 4 in Florida,”by Natalia Jaramillo of the Orlando Sentinel.
OUSTED — “A New College of Florida professor was abruptly fired this month under a controversial state law that limits public universities from employing people from so-called ‘countries of concern,’ including China, Cuba, Iran, Russia and Venezuela,” reports Alice Herman of Suncoast Searchlight.“Kevin Wang, a Chinese academic who is seeking asylum and authorized to work in the United States, had been teaching Chinese language and culture classes at the small liberal arts college in Sarasota for nearly two years when, on March 12, the school terminated his contract, citing a university regulation based on that law, known as SB 846. His letter of dismissal … claimed, Wang’s immigration status — and, implicitly, his country of origin‚ made him ineligible for employment at New College.”SCOTUS APPEAL — “The Trump administration on Friday asked the Supreme Court for permission to resume deportations of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador under an 18th century wartime law, while a court fight continues,” reports Mark Sherman of The Associated Press.“The emergency appeal to the high court follows a rejection of the Republican administration’s plea to the federal appeals court in Washington. By a 2-1 vote, a panel of appellate judges left in place an order temporarily prohibiting deportations of the migrants under the rarely used Alien Enemies Act.”— “Wait List: Families on hold for childcare help as Florida fixes funding formula,”by Saundra Amrhein of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.— “Overdose deaths in Orange County dropped 30 percent in 2024, new data shows,”by McKenna Schueler of Orlando Weekly.
TONIGHT — DeSantis is hosting leaders from the Republican Party of Florida at the governor’s mansion for a reception. An estimated 261 invitations went out to members of Congress, the Legislature and grassroots volunteers.BEHIND THE SCENES — “The sudden panic over Florida’s special elections has finally put President Trump on the same page as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.): The GOP’s margin is too close for comfort,” reports Axios’ Marc Caputo and Hans Nichols.“Trump is coming to terms with how difficult it’s going to be for him and Johnson to pass a massive tax and spending bill this summer. The president’s shock decision to keep Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) in the House was accelerated by concerns over the special elections, but it was ultimately made to create more ‘breathing room’ for House margins, sources tell us.”
WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEKEND — Taking the stage to “The Time is Now” to kick off his gubernatorial campaign, Rep. BYRON DONALDS cast himself as a natural extension of DeSantis’ “free state of Florida” mantra.He also reminded the crowd he was Trump’s pick. “He has endorsed me because he knows I will lead with courage, conviction and common sense,” Donalds said from the stage at the Sugarshack Downtown, a Bonita Springs restaurant and music venue. “And that’s what our state needs: to remain the blueprint for what is possible in America. As your next governor, I’ll fix what’s broken while building on what makes Florida the best state in America.”— “Taxpayer-funded staffers for Ron DeSantis solicit lobbyist cash as his wife considers a 2026 run,”reports Matt Dixon of NBC News.ALSO TONIGHT — Donalds will hold a tele-town hall with Fine and conservative commentator BEN SHAPIRO. (See the details.)… More about the race: A look at the spending for Fine’s campaign shows nearly $350,000 — one-third of the amount he reported raising in campaign finance disclosures earlier this month — went to consulting firm Big Dog Strategies, which included strategy sessions and direct mailings. One of the employees at the firm, BRYAN PILIGRA, is a spokesperson for Fine.… In the closing days of the campaign, Fine received contributions from corporate political committees for NextEra Energy, Boeing, Comcast and General Dynamics, disclosures show.— “Bernie Sanders backs Josh Weil in CD 6,”by A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics.SENATE WATCH — Rep. CORY MILLS (R-Fla.) told Playbook over the weekend that he was still “eyeballing the seat” for Senate that will be up for election in 2026. DeSantis appointed ASHLEY MOODY to the job after Trump picked MARCO RUBIO as secretary of State. Mills, who interviewed for the job with DeSantis as well, said he had “not ruled it out” but that the most important factor would be who the president wants to see in the seat and if he’s willing to endorse him.
— “In private meeting, Vance and top advisers suggested Trump oust Waltz,”reports POLITICO’s Rachael Bade and Dasha Burns.— “A weekend ritual for Trump’s Florida die-hards to get a brief glimpse of their political hero,”by The Associated Press’ Chris Megerian.— “Anna Paulina Luna: The truth is still out there on JFK assassination,”by Ali Bianco of POLITICO.
— Rep. ALEX ANDRADE (R-Pensacola) had some thoughts he aired on X about the DeSantis admin’s spending.— “SpaceX scrubs Sunday launch, with try for 2 Monday including next human spaceflight,”reports Richard Tribou of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.BIRTHDAY: State Rep. Dana Trabulsy … (was Sunday) former Rep. Patrick Murphy.
