The Delegation for 11.6.26: Above it all — power shift — JAXPORT — fair pay — horsepower

Florida delegation survives blue wave while Washington power shifts dramatically. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

From: Extensive Media Enterprises

Above the fray   Two years ago, Florida seemed to be the new center of national politics. But on Tuesday, it seemed both above it all and, at the same time, isolated from it all. After redistricting wars, tens of millions in spending, and a generational blue wave, not a single seat in Florida’s congressional delegation appears to be changing hands in the next Congress. Florida’s congressional map holds its party balance despite a national Democratic wave. That’s not to say Florida felt no impact from voters’ apparent retreat from President Donald Trump. Three Republican Representatives — Mario Díaz-Balart, Anna Paulina Luna and María Elvira Salazar — all won re-election by under one percentage point. Salazar awaits a machine recount of votes in Florida’s 27th Congressional District. Meanwhile, Rep. Darren Soto, a Kissimmee Democrat in a District Trump won by 18 percentage points, held onto his seat despite being widely seen as America's most endangered Democratic incumbent. Sen. Ashley Moody, a Plant City Republican, won her first federal election by about 3 points over Democrat Angie Nixon. But that came two years after Sen. Rick Scott won his own re-election bid by 12 points over Debbie Mucarsel Powell, and four years after Moody secured 61% of the vote in her statewide re-election campaign for Florida Attorney General. All of this took place in Trump’s home state. But perhaps that local affinity for the President kept Florida from getting sucked into the same red undertow as many states, especially in the South. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, on a media tour now that feels like a preface for a presidential bid, called the blow to Republicans “close to an extinction-level event.” But he suggested that Florida’s mid-decade redraw of congressional lines may have staved off consequences. “In 2024, Florida voters sent 20 Republicans and eight Democrats to the U.S. House. In April 2026, Florida enacted a revised map to unwind an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. Last night, Florida voters likely elected 20 Republicans and eight Democrats to the U.S. House,” he posted on X. “Had the old map been in effect, it would have been 18 Republicans and 10 Democrats.” A court case remains undecided on whether the old map broke the law or the new one does, but it may not be settled even by the next election cycle. But while Republicans fretted over whether the Democratic gains on Tuesday were a trend that endures or a passing moment, Democrats in Florida had little to show for it besides bragging rights. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee this year announced it was targeting five GOP-held districts in Florida this year. Even as the party gained around 40 seats nationwide, none were from Sunshine State flips. The delegation will see change. Rep. Cory Mills, a New Smyrna Republican, lost in a Republican Primary to Ryan Elijah, who appears to have kept Florida’s 7th Congressional District in Republican hands. Former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigned last year while under indictment, and fellow Democrat Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz stopped her comeback in August in Florida’s 20th Congressional District. But neither seat will change party control. Additionally, five retiring incumbents will leave, but members of the same party will replace them in January.

Leadership   Meanwhile, the change in control of Congress will mean a substantial shake-up in who controls the levers of power in Congress. It remains to be seen whether Floridians will fill the void, but delegation members are already eyeing key positions. Curiously, Florida Democrats seem reluctant to re-enter majority status, but many will hold onto key positions. Wasserman Schultz, Democratic co-chair of the Florida congressional delegation, also co-chaired the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, which could have a significant say in who holds gavels in the next Congress. Meanwhile, Rep. Maxwell Frost, an Orlando Democrat, co-chairs the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Florida Democrats eye new influence under a changing House majority. Rep. Kathy Castor, a Tampa Democrat, chaired the House Select Climate Crisis Committee the last time her party held the majority. Incoming Speaker Hakeem Jeffries has not yet said whether such a Committee will return. Rep. Lois Frankel, a West Palm Beach Democrat, has been the Ranking Member on the House National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Subcommittee, and may trade that role for the gavel with Díaz-Balart, the Subcommittee’s current Chair. Rep. Jared Moskowitz has been Ranking Democrat on the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee and could become Chair. On the opposite side of the aisle, Rep. Greg Steube, a Sarasota Republican, just announced a run to be GOP Conference Chair, the No. 3 member of the caucus. With Speaker Mike Johnson already saying he won’t run for leadership, Steube argued that the caucus needs wholesale change. Rep. Brian Mast, a Republican from Stuart, will shift to ranking member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. More Committee assignments and leadership positions could be announced next week. In addition, Rep. Laurel Lee announced in September that she would run for top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee, a fight that could get more interesting if current Chair Jim Jordan wins the Minority Leader race.

Staying in Session?   Congress will return next week for a “lame duck” Session. Scott, for his part, has joined a call for Republicans to push through as many of Trump’s judicial appointments as possible, even if that means working through the new Congress coming into power on Jan. 3. After Sen. Mike Lee, a Utah Republican, posted that Republicans “should take full advantage of our majorities while we still have them,” Scott posted an enthusiastic “Agree!” This isn’t the first time the Naples Republican has suggested Republicans in Congress should work more, including during shutdowns. Rick Scott urges Senate Republicans to make the most of their remaining majority. Ultimately, the decision will rest with current Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Notably, Thune beat out Scott for the role of leading the caucus at the start of this Congress. Ahead of the Senate breaking for an election-season recess, Scott denied speculation that he would challenge Thune for a leadership position in the next Congress. “I’m not going to criticize John,” Scott told the press on the last day of votes before the Midterms. But he said his main gripe was that the Senate should have more working days in D.C. to get business done.

Work continues   But beyond the political moment, disasters also have gripped the attention of many in the delegation. Barely a day after winning re-election, Moody helped constituents get assistance after flooding on the Atlantic Coast. “Fourteen Florida counties are now under a state of emergency for flooding,” she posted on X. “If your home or business took on water, report the damage to your county emergency management office. Those reports help document the need for federal disaster aid. Need help with a federal agency? My office is here for you.” TO SEE MORE OF THE DELEGATION CLICK HERE

7 de noviembre Cápsula de oración

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November 7 Prayer Pod

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – NIV

We all want to pray but sometimes we find it difficult to begin our prayer.  Many Pastors and Ministers suggest you begin your prayer by praying back God’s words from Scripture.

These daily prayer PODs are constructed to help you in your prayer life.

November 7 
Pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Lord hear Your words: Psalm 4:4 Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed and be still. Selah. 

Lord hear my request: (Say your needs, wants, fears, thanksgivings) - In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

READ THE NEW TESTAMENT IN A YEAR….  |
Today’s Reading for November 7 Titus 3:1-15 

To learn more about accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior click here: SALVATION CONNECTION

 

 

 

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6 de noviembre Cápsula de oración

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November 6 Prayer Pod

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – NIV

We all want to pray but sometimes we find it difficult to begin our prayer.  Many Pastors and Ministers suggest you begin your prayer by praying back God’s words from Scripture.

These daily prayer PODs are constructed to help you in your prayer life.

November 6   
Pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Lord hear Your words Revelation 21:4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; And there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain for the former things have passed away.

Lord hear my request: (Say your needs, wants, fears, thanksgivings) - In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

READ THE NEW TESTAMENT IN A YEAR….
Today’s Reading for November 6 Titus 2:1-15 

To learn more about accepting
Jesus Christ as your Lord and
Savior click here:
SALVATION CONNECTION

 

  

 

PLEASE SHARE TO YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM  

Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 11.5.26

 Kick off your morning right where Florida’s political insiders begin theirs.

From: Extensive Media Enterprises

Good Thursday morning.

Here is the first of several epilogue pieces I plan to write about the 2026 Election — “News media Winners and Losers emerging from the St. Petersburg Mayoral Election“

The election is over, but the media scorecard is just getting started.

___

You win an election cycle; you lose the next. Whatever. But to win in life — to be loved by your wife, well-regarded by your colleagues, and respected by your adversaries — that’s truly winning. Happy birthday to our dear friend, David Johnson.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

—@Redistrict: I’ve seen enough: generational wipeout.

Tweet, tweet:

—@ElonMusk: Data centers in space looking pretty appealing right now

Tweet, tweet:

—@TampaDan: This should not be treated as a victory lap for Gov. (Ron) DeSantis. This was the worst election cycle in Florida in decades. He could’ve saved countless down-ballot races by helping boost GOP turnout. We’re a team & our captain was nowhere to be seen on the campaign trail.

Tweet, tweet:

—@JaredEMoskowitz: I won, and no one talked about my ass

—@JasonBrodeur: Thank you to everyone who supported our campaign for Florida Senate. Representing Central Florida in the House and Senate is one of the greatest honors of my life — I am so proud of the work we accomplished, from transformational legislation to lower prescription drug prices to preserving millions of acres of Florida’s wild lands. I look forward to continue advocating for responsible government policies that improve and protect our citizens in any way I can.

—@Jason_Garcia: The Florida House of Representatives came shockingly close to flipping last night. Democrats netted 16 seats. I believe that leaves the GOP with a 70-50 majority. But there were also another 5 seats where the Republican won 51-49 or less and 5 more where they won 52-48 or less

—@TheMattDailey: I mean I wouldn’t call the largest # of House seat flips for either party in my lifetime “a few wins” but maybe that’s just me

— DAYS UNTIL —

‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 1; ‘Wild Horse Nine’ premieres — 1; Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 6; ‘Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol’ starring Johnny Depp premieres — 8; ‘Paper Tiger’ starring Adam Driver premieres — 8; Joe Biden’s memoir, ‘Promise Me, America,’ is released — 12; New legislator training sessions — 12; Senate convenes for general organization and selection of officers — 12; ‘Madden’ premieres — 13; ‘I PLAY ROCKY’ premieres — 15; ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 15; ‘Blade Runner 2099’ premieres on Prime Video — 20; ‘The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth,’ with Brad Pitt, directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino, premieres in IMAX — 20; Committee Week #1 — 25; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 43; ‘Dune: Part 3,’ directed by Denis Villeneuve, premieres — 43; ‘Six Kings Slam 2026’ begins — 52; Committee Week #2 — 60; St. Pete Mayor and Council member inauguration — 63; Committee Week #3 — 67; ‘Ahsoka’ season 2 premieres — 76; College Football Playoff national championship game in Las Vegas — 81; Committee Week #4 — 88; The 2027 Florida State Fair begins — 91; ‘Remain,’ directed by M. Night Shyamalan, premieres — 92; Grammys — 94; Committee Week #5 — 95; Super Bowl LXI — 101; Committee Week #6 — 102; Opening day of the 2027 Regular Legislative Session — 117; Tampa Mayoral Election — 117; ‘The Thomas Crown Affair,’ directed by and starring Michael B. Jordan premieres — 120; Jacksonville First Election — 124; Oscars — 129; Miami Marlins Opening Day/Home Opener — vs. New York Mets — 140; Tampa Bay Rays Opening Day/Home Opener — vs. Baltimore Orioles — 140; Democratic Mayors Association 2027 annual summit in Miami begins — 160; Jacksonville General Election — 194; ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ premieres — 204; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 225; Citrus Series — Tampa Bay Rays at Miami Marlins — 253; ‘The Bluey Movie’ premieres — 274; Citrus Series — Miami Marlins at Tampa Bay Rays — 309; 2027 Florida-Georgia game in Tampa — 359; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 407; 2028 South Carolina Democratic Presidential Primary — 443; College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans — 445; 2028 Nevada Presidential Primary — 453; 2028 New Hampshire Democratic Presidential Primary — 460; 2028 New Mexico Democratic Presidential Primary — 467; ‘The Batman Part II’ premieres — 470; 2028 Michigan Democratic Presidential Primary — 474; 2028 Virginia Democratic Presidential Primary — 481; Oscars — 486; ‘X-Men’ premieres — 547; ‘Miami Vice ’85’ reboot premieres — 561; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 568; ‘Days of Thunder’ sequel with Tom Cruise and Anne Hathaway premieres — 575; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 589; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 617; ‘Ghost Rider’ premieres — 631; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 733; ‘Black Panther 3’ directed by Ryan Coogler premieres — 771; College Football Playoff national championship game in Tampa — 809; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,142; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 1,870.

— TOP STORY —

“Ron DeSantis to call Special Session to implement property tax overhaul” via James Call of USA Today Network — DeSantis said Wednesday he will call Florida lawmakers into Special Session before year’s end to rewrite state property tax laws and implement a voter-approved constitutional amendment that could reshape local government finances for decades. “We’ve got to do it,” DeSantis said. “It has to be implemented by Jan. 1, per the amendment.”

Ron DeSantis has one more legislative assignment: putting Amendment 3 into action.

The Special Session will require an outgoing Governor and lame-duck Legislature to write the rules for one of the most significant tax policy changes in modern Florida history. Lawmakers are expected to decide how Amendment 3 will be implemented, whether local governments will receive state assistance to offset revenue losses, and how to prevent cities and counties from replacing property taxes with new fees. The Session gives DeSantis, who leaves office in January, one final opportunity to shape a proposal he spent more than a year championing.

Speaking a day after Republicans suffered major losses nationwide, DeSantis said the amendment helped drive turnout in Florida and contributed to Republicans holding statewide offices, when nationwide the GOP suffered what he called “a near-extinction event.” “I absolutely think Amendment 3 had a lot to do with that,” DeSantis said.

State economists have projected local governments could lose roughly $12 billion annually by 2031 under the measure. DeSantis said he wants lawmakers to establish “a pool of funding” that could provide grants to local governments, particularly smaller rural counties worried about maintaining Sheriff’s offices and other essential services. “There’ll be a transition period,” he said. He also wants the legislation to limit local governments from “doing an end run around the amendment and taxing them in other ways.” DeSantis said legislative leaders will largely determine the timing of the Special Session. “I’m basically on lame-duck duty at this point,” he joked.

___

“DeSantis says Amendment 3 saved Florida from the blue wave” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Florida’s Republican firewall held, but the election exposed serious cracks beneath statewide victories. Democrats flipped 16 Florida House seats, gains DeSantis attributed partly to dissatisfaction with House Republican leadership. He blasted the outgoing Speaker as “rotten” and said the chamber’s performance over the past two years was unacceptable. Congressional redistricting also failed to expand Florida’s Republican delegation, which remains at 20 members. Nationally, DeSantis faulted Republicans for fighting yesterday’s battles while Democrats connected with rural voters and capitalized on the GOP’s handling of the Epstein files. He warned Democratic control of Congress could stall judicial confirmations and Cabinet appointments for years. Despite sweeping victories, Democrats lack a governing mandate, he insisted, leaving Republicans to reckon with a bruising political repudiation.

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