Matthew Isbell, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Matthew IsbellNovember 3, 2015

A good deal has happened with the ongoing redistricting saga during the past several days. The state Senate passed its proposed districts with a controversial amendment attached. The House redistricting committee passed their own amended version of the map, and the coalition plaintiffs now have put forward three proposals. We’ll now look over each development. […]

Matthew IsbellOctober 15, 2015

On October 14th, just a few days before special session begins, the state legislature released six proposed base maps for its state senate lines. Each map is different in some areas and similar in others. From these six proposals the legislature must try and come to an agreement on one final map; something they failed […]

Matthew IsbellSeptember 17, 2015

When Judge Terry Lewis convenes his redistricting trial this month, there will be seven different maps to examine: three from the Legislature and four from the plaintiffs. Let’s discuss key differences in the maps being proposed with specific focus on the maps submitted by the plaintiffs and how they compare with the Legislature’s proposals. Debate […]

Matthew IsbellAugust 6, 2015

The Florida Legislature released its base map heading into next week’s Special Session on redistricting. The map makes changes to 22 of the 27 districts. Some changes are small while others are very large. Many voters will find themselves in brand new districts if the base map becomes law. The map below shows areas that […]

Matthew IsbellJuly 10, 2015

Florida’s Supreme Court delivered a bombshell Thursday, striking down eight of the 27 congressional districts in Florida. The court argued, in a 5-2 decision, that the Legislature drew the congressional boundaries with partisan intent. The Court ordered districts 5, 13, 14, 21, 22, 25, 26, and 27 be redrawn. Redrawing these districts will not just […]

Matthew IsbellJune 29, 2015

Florida’s western Panhandle has not been exactly known as a hotbed of electoral campaigns during recent election cycles. The region stretching from Pensacola to Panama City is steadfastly Republican in registration and in electoral dominance. GOP primaries decide most fights in the region, and incumbency has ensured few contentious primaries outside of local offices. The region is […]

Matthew Isbell

Matthew Isbell: New coalition maps, DLP’S amendment, Oliva’s plan, and where things now stand in redistricting

The ultimate guide to the six state Senate base maps

Matt Isbell: Plaintiffs most likely to squabble over South Florida redistricting maps

Explaining Florida’s proposed congressional base maps

Maps detail possible changes to comply with court’s redistricting decision

Family matters: excitement builds for western Panhandle primary