The Sheriff Candidate Who Is Challenging “The Poster Child for the Trump Administration”
Eliseo Santana, running for sheriff in Florida’s Pinellas County, wants to end collaboration with ICE, reduce arrests, and shift some funds toward health services.
Daniel Nichanian Oct 02, 2020
Progressive Candidate Wins Orlando’s Primary for Prosecutor, and Four Other Florida Takeaways
In Florida’s primaries, voters set up November clashes on criminal justice, multiple sheriffs lost re-election bids, and Miami’s prosecutor secured a new term.
Daniel Nichanian Aug 19, 2020
Broward County Will Elect Its First New Prosecutor in 44 Years. Will the Office Veer Left?
In South Florida, the crowded Aug. 18 Democratic primary features one candidate who says he would not prosecute sex work and marijuana possession cases.
Jerry Iannelli Aug 11, 2020
Orlando Prosecutor Race Plays Out In The Shadow Of Florida’s Retaliation Against Reform
State Attorney Aramis Ayala has faced reprisal for bold criminal justice reforms. The Aug. 18 election will determine whether her successor builds on her legacy or backtracks.
Samantha Schuyler Aug 07, 2020
COVID-19 Stalls Efforts to Help People with Felony Convictions Register to Vote
In states that restored people’s voting rights, many public agencies aren’t doing enough to assist, and the pandemic slowed grassroots plans to pick up the slack.
Stephanie Wykstra May 28, 2020
Reform Prosecutors Respond to Attack by U.S. Attorney General
Checking-in on the politics of prosecutors: A Vermont state’s attorney makes waves, and California and Florida prosecutors plan on dismissing more drug charges
Daniel Nichanian Aug 22, 2019
Jacksonville Kicks Off 2019’s Sheriff Elections
With the election looking on March 19, the Political Report reviews some of the stakes on policing practices, immigration, and transparency.
Daniel Nichanian Mar 14, 2019
Legislative Round-Up (Jan. 31, 2019 Edition): from Florida, Kansas, Montana, Wyoming
In three GOP-governed states, a push to reform marijuana restrictions, repeal the death penalty, curb driver’s license suspensions
Daniel Nichanian Jan 31, 2019
Jacksonville Votes for Its Sheriff: An Interview with Candidate Tony Cummings
Tony Cummings, running for sheriff in Jacksonville’s March elections, lays out views on police accountability, civilian review boards, immigration.
Daniel Nichanian Jan 31, 2019
Policing Practices in Jacksonville: an Interview
An organizer with the Jacksonville Community Action Committee explains why her group is focused on the policing practices of the sheriff’s office, two months from local elections.
Daniel Nichanian Jan 25, 2019
2018 Elections Are Already Having Consequences for Criminal Justice Reform
Louisiana phases out nonunanimous juries, Floridians regains the right to vote, Houston moves toward changing its bail system, and more.
Looming Appointments Could Alter Florida Supreme Court’s Sentencing Outlook
Court issued a series of major youth sentencing and death penatly rulings in 2016. But its politics could soon swing dramatically.
Daniel Nichanian Dec 06, 2018
Florida Adopted Two Far-Reaching Amendments. What Will Be Their Impact?
Voters overwhelmingly approved measures to restore voting rights and enable bolder sentencing reform.
Daniel Nichanian Nov 15, 2018
2018 Election Preview: Attorney General of Florida
Implementation of medical marijuana measure splits attorney general candidates.
Daniel Nichanian Nov 01, 2018
2018 Election Preview: Sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida
A sheriff challenger pledges to withdraw from ICE partnership Federal courts have repeatedly ruled against local officials who hold people in jail beyond their scheduled release based on ICE “detainer” requests. In January, ICE and 17 Florida sheriffs launched a new bid to circumvent those rulings; they announced a new sort of agreement, which they […]
Daniel Nichanian Oct 24, 2018
2018 Election Preview: Marsy's Law (FL, GA, KY, NC, NV, OK)
In November, six states are holding referenda on whether to adopt “Marsy’s Law.”
Daniel Nichanian Oct 18, 2018
2018 Election Preview: Amendment 4, Florida
Voters could overhaul Florida’s regime of mass disenfranchisement.
Daniel Nichanian Oct 18, 2018
2018 Election Preview: Amendment 11, Florida
Will Florida voters open the door to retroactively applying criminal justice reforms?
Daniel Nichanian Oct 18, 2018
2018 Election Preview: Governor of Florida
Andrew Gillum and Ron DeSantis divided on criminal justice reform
2018 Election Preview: State Attorney for the 20th Judicial Circuit, Florida
Amira Fox secures GOP nomination for state attorney after sharply negative primary.
Daniel Nichanian Aug 23, 2018
Spotlight on the Flagler County Sheriff and His Boastful Statements
Flagler County expanded its county jail in July 2016, more than tripling the number of people it could detain. Later that year, the county elected a new sheriff—Rick Staly—who has since boasted about the record number of individuals in the jail and about the poor conditions therein. Staly has unveiled signs labeling the jail the “Green Roof […]
Candidates for Florida Governor Lay Out Criminal Justice Platforms
Primary preview: Gubernatorial candidates lay out platforms
Daniel Nichanian Aug 23, 2018