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Politically Motivated: New political ads for governor’s race, Florida’s budget battle

Christopher Heath, Lauren Melendez talk Florida politics

Lauren Melendez, Anchor

ORLANDO, Fla. – This week on “Politically Motivated‚” Christopher Heath and Lauren Melendez dive into the millions of dollars spent on a new wave of political ads in the race for Florida governor, the big issue holding the legislature back from passing a budget, and a look back at the legacy of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, who died Monday.

Pricey political ads (first 10 minutes of segment)

1. New political ads for Florida’s governor’s race: The podcast highlighted a fresh wave of political advertising in the 2026 Florida gubernatorial election — specifically ads featuring two major Republican figures:

  • Rep. Byron Donalds, who has secured President Donald Trump’s endorsement and leads the GOP primary field. He’s aired ads and raised substantial funds while positioning himself as the frontrunner, focusing heavily on a pro-ICE immigration agenda and supporting the lowering of property taxes.
  • Jay Collins, the state’s lieutenant governor, has seen television ads promoting his record and DeSantis-aligned conservative credentials even before formally announcing his campaign — funded by a new outside group called Florida Fighters. Collin’s advertising presence suggests a “soft launch” or testing of his viability as a challenger to Donalds.

These ads are shaping early perceptions in what’s become a crowded Republican primary, with both figures jockeying for support against Donalds’ Trump-backed campaign.

Key things to know

There are 34 candidates who have filed for Florida governor. Important dates to keep in mind are Aug. 18, for the primary election, and Nov. 3 for the general election.

Republican candidates for Florida governor in 2026

Democrat candidates for Florida governor in 2026

Florida legislature budget split over emergency fund authority (10:00 - 15:00 segment)

Florida legislators are split over how to control the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund, a state emergency reserve used by the governor’s office. Originally designed for natural disasters, the governor has used it for broader purposes — including immigration enforcement.

  • Florida House proposal: Wants to place stricter limits on how the funds can be used, restricting eligibility to natural disasters, banning certain purchases, and increasing legislative oversight. This stems from concerns about the governor’s broad use of the money and a desire for accountability.
  • Florida Senate proposal: Has pushed to extend the fund with fewer restrictions, arguing that the governor needs flexibility to respond quickly in emergencies.
  • Political divide: The disagreement has contributed to a budget standoff between the House and Senate, underscoring a broader struggle over executive power versus legislative oversight.

This debate reflects significant tension over how much power the governor should retain in deploying state emergency resources. The fund expires on Feb 20th.

Legacy of the Late Rev. Jesse Jackson (last 6 minutes of episode)

Jesse Jackson, the iconic civil rights activist and political figure, has died at age 84. Family said he died peacefully, surrounded by them, on Tuesday after battling a neurodegenerative condition.

Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. was a close associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who ran twice in the 1980s to become the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee, prompting his family and political figures, including President Donald Trump and former president Barack Obama, to share an outpour of praise.

  • Civil Rights Leadership: Jackson was a longtime leader in the Civil Rights Movement, closely allied with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and later heading influential organizations like the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. He fought for decades for racial justice, voting rights, and economic equality.
  • Political Trailblazer: He made history with his two presidential campaigns in the 1980s, which galvanized minority and progressive voters and expanded the Democratic Party coalition.
  • National Impact: Jackson’s rhetoric and organizing helped shift national conversations on civil rights and inequality. Leaders across the political spectrum — including Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Joe Biden, and even Donald Trump — have praised his contributions.
  • Enduring Message: Phrases like “I Am Somebody” and “Keep hope alive” capture Jackson’s lifelong commitment to dignity, empowerment, and social justice.

His legacy is remembered as that of a relentless advocate for marginalized communities and a bridge between generations of civil rights activism.

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