# MCI Maps | Election Data Analyst | Election Targeting | FL

> Maps and Political Commentary, and Data Consultant

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## Posts

- [2026 Florida State Legislative Primary Preview](https://mcimaps.com/2026-florida-state-legislative-primary-preview/): Its Monday night here and the Florida Primary season is about to wrap up! A few days ago I published my Congressional Primary Preview. My final article before the election day polls open is this look at the State Legislative primaries. With no time to wait, lets dive in. State Senate Every two years in
- [2026 Florida Congressional Primary Preview](https://mcimaps.com/2026-florida-congressional-primary-preview/): Florida's Congressional primaries under the new gerrymandered map
- [Looking back at Democratic Swings in Florida's 2025 Special Elections](https://mcimaps.com/looking-back-at-democratic-swings-in-floridas-2025-special-elections/): 2025 was a very busy election year in Florida. In total, 9 special elections were held for legislative races.
- [Halloween 2025:  My Latest Deep Dive into the Election of Coroners in America](https://mcimaps.com/halloween-2025-my-latest-deep-dive-into-the-election-of-coroners-in-america/): We elect coroners in over 1200 counties in America. I break it all down!
- [Can Florida Democrats Break the Republican Super-Majority in the State House?](https://mcimaps.com/can-florida-democrats-break-the-republican-super-majority-in-the-state-house/): The House fight is over the super-majority
- [The Multi-Million Dollar Fight for Florida State Senate District 3](https://mcimaps.com/the-multi-million-dollar-fight-for-florida-state-senate-district-3/): A $15 million dollar fight for just one state senate seat
- [How Florida Went Red in 2020 and Fell off the Electoral Map](https://mcimaps.com/how-florida-went-red-in-2020-and-fell-off-the-electoral-map/): Florida used to be a major swing state in Presidential elections. In 2024, the state is getting little focus. I delve into what happened.
- [DeSantis Loses Big in 2024 Florida School Board Elections](https://mcimaps.com/desantis-loses-big-in-2024-florida-school-board-elections/): DeSantis made several school board endorsements. Few of them won.
- [The Great 2024 Florida Primary Preview Part 3: State House & Local](https://mcimaps.com/the-great-2024-florida-primary-preview-part-3-state-house-local/): Preview of the State House Primary and some local races I had a chance to cover
- [The Great 2024 Florida Primary Preview Part 2:  State Senate and Circuits](https://mcimaps.com/the-great-2024-florida-primary-preview-part-2/): Looking at the primaries for State Senate and the State Attorney races
- [The Great 2024 Florida Primary Preview Part 1: US Senate & Congress](https://mcimaps.com/the-great-2024-florida-primary-preview-part-1-us-senate-congress/): The Primary for US Senate and Congress in Florida on August 20th
- [Manchin for West Virginia Governor?  A look at his Electoral History](https://mcimaps.com/manchin-for-west-virginia-governor-a-look-at-his-electoral-history/): Former Governor and Current US Senator Joe Manchin is without a doubt the most powerful Democrat in West Virginia. In a state rapidly shifting to the right, Manchin has managed to hang on in close elections in both 2010 and 2018. After winning re-election last year, Manchin has spent much of 2019 debating a run
- [Malawi's Young and Divided Democracy](https://mcimaps.com/malawis-young-and-divided-democracy/): (NOTE! This article was originally written in 2019 after Malawi's Presidential Election. Afterward, the Supreme Court of Malawi ordered a new election following evidence of vote tampering. The end of the article has been updated to include results from the new election and the events from its campaign). Last month, the small African national of
- [SD31:  Can Democrats hold on in Kentucky's Coal Fields?](https://mcimaps.com/sd31-can-democrats-hold-on-in-kentuckys-coal-fields/): On Tuesday, voters in five eastern Kentucky County will go to the polls in the special election for Senate District 31. The district sits in the heart of Kentucky's coal country - a region with strong democratic roots that is seeing a rapid shift to the right. This region full of contradictions. An area of
- [Liberia's Peaceful Transfer of Power and the history behind it](https://mcimaps.com/a-look-at-liberias-peaceful-transfer-of-power-and-the-history-behind-it/): Liberia has faced a violent past, but recent elections show a transition to democracy. The country still faces struggles, however.
- [The 2022 Florida State House Ratings](https://mcimaps.com/the-2022-florida-state-house-ratings/): The State House map is a tough haul for Democrats. Thanks to massive GOP financial advantages, several on-paper competitive seats are not as close.
- [Halloween 2021:  An Updated look at Coroner Elections in American](https://mcimaps.com/halloween-2021-an-updated-look-at-coroner-elections-in-american/): Coroners are still elected on partisan ballots in over 1200 counties in American. I break them down.
- [The Debate Over Moving the Florida Capital out of Tallahassee](https://mcimaps.com/the-debate-over-moving-the-florida-capital-out-of-tallahassee/): It has happened again. Another South Florida lawmaker has proposed looking to move the Florida capital out of Tallahassee. Moving the capital out of its North Florida home has been a debated and voted on topic since shortly after statehood in 1845. The capital has never budged. However, the issue has a history of getting
- [The 2022 Florida State Senate Ratings](https://mcimaps.com/the-2022-florida-state-senate-ratings/): The races for Florida State Senate give the GOP a solid advantage. However, several districts are up for grabs.
- [My 2022 Florida Primary Preview (Part 1)](https://mcimaps.com/the-2022-florida-primary-preview/): The 2022 Florida Primary is days away. I delve into every contested primary from Governor to State House.
- [My 2022 Florida Primary Preview (Part 2)](https://mcimaps.com/my-2022-florida-primary-preview-part-2/): The 2022 Florida Primary is days away. I delve into every contested primary from Governor to State House.
- [Sam Brownback’s Conservative Utopia Collapses: A study of Kansas Politics](https://mcimaps.com/sam-brownbacks-conservative-utopia-collapses-a-study-of-kansas-politics/): By 2010, Sam Brownback had served as a Senator for Kansas for 14 years. The deeply conservative Republican was much more visible than his Senate counterpart, Pat Roberts. Brownback had been written up by The Washington Post, New York Times, Rolling Stone, and countless other publications. Brownback served as a key leader of the Christian
- [Is abortion hurting Wendy Davis with Texas Hispanics?](https://mcimaps.com/is-abortion-hurting-wendy-davis-with-texas-hispanics/): Wendy Davis became a nationwide name with her fillibuster on abortion rights. But is this hurting her with Hispanic voters?
- [A Detailed Look at Florida's New Congressional Districts](https://mcimaps.com/a-detailed-look-at-floridas-new-congressional-districts/): This article aims to break down the Congressional Districts newly passed in Florida. This is a severe GOP gerrymander, pushed by Ron DeSantis.
- [The Electoral History of Al Lawson](https://mcimaps.com/the-electoral-history-of-al-lawson/): Al Lawson has a long electoral career in North Florida. This article looks at his many elections, from state house to Congress.
- [Gerrymandering in San Juan County, Utah and Discrimination Against The Navajo](https://mcimaps.com/gerrymandering-in-san-juan-county-utah-how-navajo-voters-have-been-discriminated-against/): San Juan County is majority Native American; covering part of the Navajo Nation. A long history of discrimination leads to a redistricting fight.
- [How the San Juan Navajo Defeated Proposition 10](https://mcimaps.com/sanjuanprop10/): After redistricting led to a new commission map, the white residents tried to change government via a 2019 referendum. The Navajo fought back.
- [San Juan County, Utah maintains Fair Commission Maps for the Navajo](https://mcimaps.com/san-juan-county-utah-maintains-fair-commission-maps-for-the-navajo/): Majority Native American San Juan County works to redraw its district lines. A battle between white and Navajo residents.
- [Lets Talk about the Florida 5th Congressional District](https://mcimaps.com/lets-talk-about-the-florida-5th-congressional-district/): Florida's 5th District is under scrutiny. This article lays out the redistricting history for North Florida
- [Florida Redistricting Tour #10: Hidden Gerrymandering in Polk County?](https://mcimaps.com/florida-redistricting-tour-10-hidden-gerrymandering-in-polk-county/): Republicans are trying to gerrymander the Hillsborough house districts. Are the drawing a dummymander instead?
- [Florida Redistricting Tour #9: Are Tampa's State House Districts a Dummymander?](https://mcimaps.com/florida-redistricting-tour-9-are-tampas-state-house-districts-a-dummymander/): Republicans are trying to gerrymander the Hillsborough house districts. Are the drawing a dummymander instead?
- [Florida Redistricting Tour #8: Functional Analysis of Dade's House Districts](https://mcimaps.com/florida-redistricting-tour-8-functional-analysis-of-dades-house-districts/): Redistricting in Miami-Dade is much more complicated than other regions of the state.
- [Jacksonville Democrats' 2019 Mayor Gamble Backfires](https://mcimaps.com/jacksonville-democrats-2019-mayor-gamble-backfires/): Local Democrats in Jacksonville didn't challenge for Mayor. This decision led to down-ballot losses.
- [Florida Redistricting Tour #7: The State House Maps Gerrymander North Florida](https://mcimaps.com/florida-redistricting-tour-7-the-state-house-maps-gerrymander-north-florida/): State House Drafts are out, and they are doing their best to gerrymander north Florida.
- [Florida Redistricting Tour #6: State Senate Map Issues in the Southeast](https://mcimaps.com/florida-redistricting-tour-6-issues-with-the-state-senate-map-in-the-southeast/): Draft Senate maps are out! The big question in this article, are changes needed in the Broward region to ensure minority opportunities?
- [Florida Redistricting Tour #5:  Crossing the Tampa Bay](https://mcimaps.com/florida-redistricting-tour-5-crossing-the-tampa-bay/): Is a Senate District crossing the open-water Tampa Bay to create an African-American District?
- [Florida Redistricting Tour #4:  State House Districts in the Tampa Bay](https://mcimaps.com/florida-redistricting-tour-4-state-house-districts-in-the-tampa-bay/): With Pinellas County losing influence, and Hillsborough County gaining influence, how will redistricting the new state house map shake out?
- [Florida Redistricting Tour #3:  The Orlando Metro State Senate](https://mcimaps.com/florida-redistricting-tour-3-the-orlando-metro-state-senate/): The growth in the Orlando metro region is huge. How will the Florida Senate lines shake out in the area? Will the GOP try to preserve their control of SD9?
- [Florida Redistricting Tour #2:  The Orlando Metro State House](https://mcimaps.com/florida-redistricting-tour-2-the-orlando-metro-state-house/): The growth in the Orlando metro region is huge. Hispanic growth is so high that we are likely to see new Hispanic-majority districts with redistricting.
- [Florida Redistricting Tour #1:  North Florida State House & Senate](https://mcimaps.com/florida-redistricting-tour-1-north-florida-state-house-senate/): First chapter in redistricting tour series. This article will look at possible redistricting plans in the North Florida region.
- [Florida Redistricting Preview #6:  The Fair Districts Campaign](https://mcimaps.com/florida-redistricting-preview-6-the-fair-districts-campaign/): Last week, I looked at the Republican gerrymanders of Florida in 2002. That round of redistricting marked the first time the GOP had control of the process. Democratic gerrymanders preceded in 1972 and 1982 - while the 1990s process was a more complex affair. Democrats had long resisted efforts to reform the process. However, finding
- [Florida Redistricting Preview #5: The 2002 Remap - Revenge of the GOP](https://mcimaps.com/florida-redistricting-preview-5-the-2002-remap-revenge-of-the-gop/): This article is #5 in my series on the history of redistricting in Florida. Last week, I looked at Florida's redistricting battle in the 1990s. This would mark the last time Democrats controlled the process in Florida. From here on, we move away from Democrats trying to gerrymander the lines and onto Republican efforts to
- [Florida Redistricting Preview #4: 1990s Congressional Redistricting - The VRA in the Courts](https://mcimaps.com/florida-redistricting-preview-4-floridas-1990s-congressional-redistricting/): Last week, I looked at the 1992 redistricting process for Florida's State House and State Senate districts. I highly recommend you give that a read before following up with the article's focus on the Congressional apportionment. Both sets of redistricting came under the same heated atmosphere: which saw the Democrat-controlled legislature try to cling to
- [Florida Redistricting Preview #3: 1990s Legislative Redistricting - Democrats vs the VRA](https://mcimaps.com/florida-redistricting-preview-3-1990s-legislative-redistricting/): This week's article is #3 in my series on redistricting in Florida. Last week's article looked at redistricting in the 1970s and 1980s; a time when minority voters pushed for district representation yet often were short-changed. The 1990s would be a very different process, however. After the passage of the 1982 Amendment to the Voting
- [Florida Redistricting Preview #2: 1970s through 1980s - Democratic Gerrymandering](https://mcimaps.com/florida-redistricting-preview-2-1970s-through-1980s/): (This article marks Issue #2 of a history of redistricting in Florida) Last week, I wrote about Florida's redistricting/apportionment battles from the 1840s through the 1960s. The state's use of counties for representation, instead of population, led to a malapportioned legislature that could get a majority elected with under 15% of the statewide vote. It
- [Florida Redistricting Preview #1: Legacy of Malapportionment](https://mcimaps.com/florida-redistricting-preview-1-legacy-of-malapportionment/): Redistricting has been a contentious issue in Florida since its 1845 statehood. For 100 years, malapportionment was a major issue in the state.
- [Florida Redistricting Preview #7:  Republicans vs Fair Districts in 2012](https://mcimaps.com/florida-redistricting-preview-7-republicans-vs-fair-districts-in-2012/): Last week, I examined the push to get redistricting reform enshrined in Florida's Constitution. This effort culminated in 2010, with the passage of the Fair Districts Amendments. The measures banned partisan gerrymandering and set up tiers of criteria for drawing of districts. The measures set up two tiers for redistricting regulation in Florida. Tier 1
- [Florida Redistricting Preview #8: The 2015 Congressional Strike-down](https://mcimaps.com/florida-redistricting-preview-8-the-2015-congressional-strike-down/): With their gerrymandering discovered, Florida Republicans are forced to go into a special session to redraw the Congressional Map.
- [Florida Redistricting Preview #9:  The 2015 State Senate Redraw Nightmare](https://mcimaps.com/florida-redistricting-preview-9-the-2015-state-senate-redraw/): Republicans had to redraw the FL State Senate districts. The inter-party drama led to a heated special session.
- [Florida Redistricting Preview #10:  The State of Play for 2022](https://mcimaps.com/florida-redistricting-preview-10-the-state-of-play-for-2022/): Lets look ahead at redistricting in Florida for 2022. What is likely to drive where the lines go?
- [FL-5 and the Gibson and Montford Amendments](https://mcimaps.com/fl-5-and-the-gibson-and-montford-amendments/): (Note: This article was originally published in Politico Florida in 2015). The most contentious point of debate during 2015 redistricting special session has been what to do with District 5. The Supreme Court struck down the Jacksonville to Orlando configuration, represented by Corrine Brown since its creation, and ordered an east-west layout. The court specifically
- [The Lee Amendment and Central FL Redistricting](https://mcimaps.com/the-lee-amendment-and-central-fl-redistricting/): (Note: This article was originally published in Politico Florida in 2015. Wayback machine link is here). Matthew Isbell is a Democratic data consultant who will be providing exclusive analysis for POLITICO Florida over Florida's two-week special redistricting session. He has become a well-known redistricting expert, drawing his own maps and offering in depth analysis on
- [One Major Flaw in Central Florida Redistricting](https://mcimaps.com/one-major-flaw-in-central-florida-redistricting/): (Note: This article was originally published in Politico Florida in 2015. Wayback machine link is here). Matthew Isbell is a Democratic data consultant who will be providing exclusive analysis for POLITICO Florida over Florida's two-week special redistricting session. He has become a well-known redistricting expert, drawing his own maps and offering in depth analysis on
- [What the Pennsylvania Referendums Mean For 2022](https://mcimaps.com/what-the-pennsylvania-referendums-mean-for-2022/): In May, Pennsylvania voters passed two ballot measures that limited the power of the Governor in emergencies.
- [History of Gambling in Florida](https://mcimaps.com/history-of-gambling-in-florida/): Last week, the Florida legislature signed off on a massive gambling compact worked out between Governor Ron DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe of Florida
- [How and Why Crist lost in Florida](https://mcimaps.com/how-and-why-crist-lost-in-florida/): A great deal has already been said about the results of the Florida’s Governor’s Race, While Charlie Crist was considered the slight favorite to win leading up to November 4th, Republican Rick Scott managed to eek out a 1% win. I have a great deal to say about this result as well. However, before we
- [Florida Lawmakers Destroy Democracy in Key West](https://mcimaps.com/florida-lawmakers-destroy-democracy-in-key-west/): In November of 2020, voters in the city of Key West voted to restrict what type of cruise ship activity would happen in their ports. Residents gave over 60% support to measures aiming to limit cruise ships after years of clashes with the industry. Last week, the Florida legislature, in support of Governor Ron DeSantis
- [Judge Strikes down Miami-Dade name-change referendum from 1997](https://mcimaps.com/judge-strikes-down-miami-dade-name-change-referendum-from-1997/): A shocking piece of news. Last night, State Judge Ron Austy signed an order that invalidated a 1997 referendum that changed Dade County's name to "Miami-Dade." Austy struck down the referendum, saying it was illegitimated and not conducted under fair election practices. As a result, Miami-Dade's name-change from 23 years ago has been reversed. The
- ["Approval Voting" in the St. Louis Mayoral Election (Updated with Runoff Results)](https://mcimaps.com/approval-voting-in-the-st-louis-mayoral-election/): (Note: This original article was written on March 4th, after the mayoral primary had taken place. The post has been updated at the end of the article with results from the runoff). St. Louis, MO held its mayoral primary two days ago. What made it especially notable was that it held its election under a
- [How Florida's State House Districts Voted in 2020](https://mcimaps.com/how-floridas-state-house-districts-voted-in-2020/): In November of 2020, Donald Trump won Florida in his failed re-election bid. He took the state by 3.3% – which was the largest margin since Georgia W Bush’s 2004 win. The win was primarily thanks to holding the working-class voters he gained in 2020 and major gains with Hispanic voters, as well as more
- [How Florida's State Senate Districts Voted in 2020](https://mcimaps.com/how-floridas-state-senate-districts-voted-in-2020/): In November of 2020, Donald Trump won Florida in his failed re-election bid. He took the state by 3.3% - which was the largest margin since Georgia W Bush's 2004 win. The win was primarily thanks to holding the working-class voters he gained in 2020 and major gains with Hispanic voters, as well as more
- [How Florida's Congressional Districts Voted in the 2020 Presidential Election](https://mcimaps.com/how-floridas-congressional-districts-voted-in-the-2020-presidential-election/): In November of 2020, Donald Trump won Florida in his failed re-election bid. He took the state by 3.5% - which was the largest margin since Georgia W Bush's 2004 win. The win was primarily thanks to holding the working-class voters he gained in 2020 and major gains with Hispanic voters, as well as more
- [Christmas Article:  How did the neighborhood from 'Home Alone' Vote?](https://mcimaps.com/christmas-article-how-did-the-neighborhood-from-home-alone-vote/): One of the classic Christmas movies these days is "Home Alone." A huge hit in the 1990s, it is now peak nostalgia for people like me, who first saw it as a child. The movie, for those unaware, centers on young Kevin McCallister defending his home from robbers when his family accidently leaves him at
- ['Twas the Night Before the Redistricting Trial...](https://mcimaps.com/twas-the-night-before-the-redistricting-trial/): 'Twas the night before trial, and all through the house, Not a creature was stirring, save the click of my mouse; The maps were all mounted by the desk with care, In hopes that an end of the redistricting saga would soon be there; The analysts were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of
- [Southern Man:  The Campaigns of Doug Jones](https://mcimaps.com/southern-man-the-campaigns-of-doug-jones/): The 2020 Senate Elections were a mixed bag for Democrats. The party was hoping to flip the senate by making several gains across the country. In the end, however, they only flipped Colorado and Arizona. They still have an outside shot to win both Georgia runoffs. However, they will need both to tie the Senate.
- [Halloween Article:  Mississippi's 2019 Coroner Elections](https://mcimaps.com/halloween-article-mississippis-2019-coroner-elections/): Coroners in America In 2017, I began my years-long obsession with the election of county coroners in America. Unknown to many, a large number of states still elect a county coroner - similar to their process of electing a county Sheriff or Tax Collector. On top of this, most coroner's are elected to partisan posts.
- [The 2018 Butler County, Alabama Coroner Election](https://mcimaps.com/the-2018-butler-county-alabama-coroner-election/): Elected Coroners in Alabama When I did my first analysis of Coroner Elections in America, I found that Alabama still had more Democratic coroners than Republicans. This news was perhaps not especially surprising if you know about southern politics. Places like Alabama used to be much more blue at the state level while voting red
- [Florida State House 2020 Ratings](https://mcimaps.com/florida-state-house-2020-ratings/): The entire Florida house, all 120 seats, is up for election in just 2 weeks. Democrats have not held the state house since the 1990s and since the 2000s have had to fight under heavily gerrymandered maps. While the State Senate and Congressional maps were forced to redraw their boundaries in 2015 – resulting in
- [Florida's Infamous I-4 Corridor and its Politics](https://mcimaps.com/floridas-infamous-i-4-corridor-and-its-politics/): A staple of Florida election coverage for much of the 21st century has been the "I-4 Corridor." With every election comes discussion about the different regions of the state - and the I-4 Corridor has long been discussed as a pivotal region. So for my non-Floridian readers, what is the I-4 corridor? The region is
- [Yes, the math says Amendment 3 would have led to an ALL-GOP 2018 FL Governor Election](https://mcimaps.com/yes-the-math-says-amendment-3-would-have-led-to-an-all-gop-2018-fl-governor-election/): I have already written twice about Amendment 3, a proposal on Florida's November ballot. This proposal, if passed, will bring California and Lousiana-style "Top-Two" primaries to Florida. For those unfamiliar, this means the August primaries would see candidates of all sides run on a single ballot line and the top two, regardless of party, makes
- [Amendment 3 ads on Facebook are Wolves in Sheep's Clothing](https://mcimaps.com/amendment-3-ads-on-facebook-are-wolves-in-sheeps-clothing/): Several weeks ago, I wrote about Amendment 3; a ballot measure that will be voted on in Florida this November. If Amendment 3 passes, it will create a Top-Two voting system; the same as California and Washington. I showed how Amendment 3 would bleach minority districts and cause major problems when it came to minority
- [From Invisible Apartheid to Democracy: A look at Bermuda Politics](https://mcimaps.com/from-invisible-apartheid-to-democracy-a-look-at-bermuda-politics/): On October 1st, the beginning of the Halloween season, Bermudians will go to the polls for their parliamentary election. Ahead of this vote, I decided to talk about the politics of Bermuda and offer some insights into an area that many may only know as a line from a Beach Boys songs. The History of
- [What if the Electoral College is a Tie](https://mcimaps.com/what-if-the-electoral-college-is-a-tie/): (Note: An update to this rankings has been posted at the bottom to reflect the news out of the Minnesota 2nd district) Plenty has been discussed about how either Joe Biden or Donald Trump can secure a majority in the electoral college this year. One item that has not been discussed as much is what
- [2020 Florida State Senate Rankings](https://mcimaps.com/2020-florida-state-senate-rankings/): The State Senate Map This election cycle, just over half of Florida’s State Senate districts are up for election. Florida State Senators are elected to four years terms, with even numbered districts up in the midterms and odd numbered districts up in Presidential cycles. In addition to the odd districts, a special election for SD
- [The Politics Behind Romney's Vote to Convict](https://mcimaps.com/the-politics-behind-romneys-vote-to-convict/): On February 5th, 2020, Utah Senator Mitt Romney made history by becoming the first Senator to vote to convict a President that belonged to his own party. Romney's vote to convict Donald Trump for Abuse of Power was announced just hours before the final roll call. Romney and all 47 Democrats voted to convict, while
- [A look at the Balkans and The Republic of "North" Macedonia](https://mcimaps.com/a-look-at-the-balkans-and-the-republic-of-north-macedonia/): Last week, the Republic of North Macedonia had its parliamentary elections. For a vast majority of folks not fully vetted in southern European events, figuring out where North Macedonia is on a map is not always an easy task. After all, the country has only existed since the breakup of Yugoslavia, and in that conflict
- [Florida's 2020 Primary Preview](https://mcimaps.com/floridas-2020-primary-preview/): August 18th marks the date of Florida's state primaries, which include races for: Congress, State Senate, State House, Public Defender and State Attorney, and a litany of local elections. This article aims to break down races across the state. Trust me, some of the most interesting primaries are not the ones for Congress. Want some
- [Truman vs Wallace: The 1944 Campaign for Vice President](https://mcimaps.com/truman-vs-wallace-the-1944-campaign-for-vice-president/): For the last several weeks, the national political debate has been focused on the “Veepstakes;” the time every for years when the nation waits to see who each major party’s nominee will select as their running mate. The issue of picking a vice president often comes down to politics. Candidate’s try to pick candidates that will appease
- [The Disappearing Swing Counties of Florida](https://mcimaps.com/the-disappearing-swing-counties-of-florida/): Over the last 20 years, Florida’s reputation as a swing state has endured. The state’s population continues to grow at a fast rate, recently propelling Florida past New York, making the state the 3rd largest in the nation. Yet while other states have seen population shifts effect the political leanings of the state; Florida has
- ["Top-Two" will Bleach Minority-Districts in Florida](https://mcimaps.com/top-two-will-bleach-minority-districts-in-florida/): Florida's Proposed Amendment 3 This November, Amendment 3, also known as “All Voters Vote”, will appear on the Florida ballot. The backers of this amendment are phrasing it as a proposal for “open primaries.” However, this proposal does not propose an open primary in the classical sense; a system where voters pick which primary ballot
- [A look back at Mississippi's 2001 Flag Referendum (Updated)](https://mcimaps.com/a-look-back-at-mississippis-2001-flag-referendum/): As Americans continue to speak out, march, and protest against racism in society; a movement sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, we are seeing a new round of statues and monuments dedicated to the Confederacy and Jim Crow coming down in America. Across the south, statues of confederate heroes are being taken
- [May 26th, 1845 - Florida's First Elections](https://mcimaps.com/may-26th-1845-floridas-first-elections/): Today marks the 175th anniversary of Florida's first elections as a state. Having achieved statehood on March 3rd, 1845; Florida had a short two month campaign for its legislature, Governor, and Congressman. In honor of this anniversary, I want take a brief look at Florida's push for statehood and the elections that followed. Editors Note:
- [When a local official stood up to "Big Sugar"](https://mcimaps.com/when-a-local-official-stood-up-to-big-sugar/): Florida is no stranger to companies getting involved in elections. Congressional, legislative, and statewide races are littered with money from giants like Disney, casinos, trial lawyers, and the farming industry. But one major player Florida has that only a few other states have is the sugar industry. Florida produces 17 million tons of sugarcane a
- [How COVID-19 Hurt Turnout in Milwaukee, Wisconsin](https://mcimaps.com/wisconsin-runoff/): Wisconsin's April elections were an absolute mess. No one can deny this. April 7th, which served as the General Election for a State Supreme Court race, a litany of municipal general elections, and the Presidential Primary, took place amid the Coronavirus, or COVID-19, pandemic. As states and countries across the world were locking their economies
- [VP Wildcard?  Val Demings](https://mcimaps.com/vp-dark-horse-val-demings/): With Joe Biden securing the Democratic nomination for President, speculation now turns to his selection for Vice President. Biden has already declared he will select a woman, and many have speculated it could be a woman of color. The selection of a woman of color is something that civil rights icon John Lewis has specifically
- [When Disease Delayed an Election in Florida](https://mcimaps.com/when-disease-delayed-and-election-in-florida/): As countries and local authorities rapidly work to contain the coronavirus pandemic, one outcome has been the delaying of several primary elections in the United States. Several Presidential primaries and congressional runoffs have been pushed to later in the summer as authorities work to keep people indoors. This has led to a debate about when
- [Biden vs Sanders: Florida Primary Preview](https://mcimaps.com/biden-vs-sanders-florida-primary-preview/): On Tuesday, amid a Coronavirus global pandemic, voters will flock to the polls in for the Democratic Presidential primaries in Florida, Ohio, Illinois, and Arizona. Here in Florida, over one million ballots have already been cast on the democratic side. The race is down to Biden and Sanders, and pollsters indicate the sunshine state will
- [Kentucky's February Special Elections](https://mcimaps.com/kentuckys-february-special-elections/): February 25th will feature two special elections for Democratic-held state house seats in Kentucky. One is based right on the Kentucky border, just outside the city of Cincinnati. The other is a rural district located just east of Lexington. While the Cincinnati-based HD67 has generated far less attention, the fight for the rural HD99 has
- [Kim Davis, the infamous anti-gay Rowan County Clerk, could lose re-election](https://mcimaps.com/kim-davis-the-infamous-anti-gay-rowan-county-clerk-could-lose-re-election/): Three years ago, Rowan, a small county on the eastern end of the state, burst into the national spotlight. Clerk of Court Kim Davis, a Evangelical Christian, refused to issue marriage licenses to any couple following the Supreme Court's monumental decision legalizing same-sex marriages nationwide. Davis hoped that denying all licenses would get her around
- [How Caucuses vs Primaries Can Lead to Different Results](https://mcimaps.com/how-caucuses-vs-primaries-can-lead-to-different-results/): The Curious Case of Utah With the 2020 Democratic Presidential primaries and caucuses around the corner, I have been looking at data from past years. One map I produced was one showing Hillary Clinton's support shift from her 2008 loss to Barack Obama to her 2016 win against Bernie Sanders. The results showed Clinton overall
- [Kim Daniels, the Worst Democrat In Florida, might win her primary](https://mcimaps.com/kim-daniels-the-worst-democratic-in-florida-might-win-her-primary/): On August 28th, voters will go to the polls in Florida to cast votes in the primary election. The Gubernatorial primary and a slew of congressional primaries are dominating the news. In an era where a politician can lose a primary for either being "not conservative enough" or "not liberal enough" - despite no other
- [How Florida’s State House Districts Voted in 2018](https://mcimaps.com/how-floridas-state-house-districts-voted-in-2018/): Florida had five statewide races on its ballot in 2018. In addition to the high profile US Senate and Gubernatorial contests – Florida held elections for its Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer, and Agriculture Commissioner. All of these races were relatively close. The biggest gap was the GOP’s 6% win for Attorney General. CFO was
- [How Redistricting Allowed Mississippi Democrats to Gain a State Senate Seat](https://mcimaps.com/how-redistricting-allowed-mississippi-democrats-to-gain-a-state-senate-seat/): On November 5th, 2019, Mississippi held its state elections. The solidly-GOP state normally gets overlooked - but got special attention this year due to the candidacy of Jim Hood. The Democratic Attorney General was making the Mississippi Governor race a real contest for the first time in over a decade. Hood wound up not winning,
- [The Most Tragic Election Victory in US History](https://mcimaps.com/the-most-tragic-election-victory-in-us-history/): Last year, I wrote an article on "The Elected Dead: When Deceased win Elections." In that article, I looked at people who tragically died before elections but won their races anyway. The story here follows a similar dynamic - but instead it looks as the sad case of a man who died on the same
- [How Canada's Liberal Party Lost the Popular Vote but Won the Election](https://mcimaps.com/how-canadas-liberals-lost-the-popular-vote-but-won-the-election/): On October 21st, Canada held its federal elections. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal Party were facing a tough campaign. Polls showed them narrowly trailing the Conservative Party and scandals regarding corruption and Trudeau's past were hurting the party. The Liberals countered by focusing on the prospect of Conservative rule and working to consolidate
- [How Florida’s State Senate Districts Voted in 2018](https://mcimaps.com/how-floridas-state-senate-districts-voted-in-2018/): Florida had five statewide races on its ballot in 2018. In addition to the high profile US Senate and Gubernatorial contests – Florida held elections for its Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer, and Agriculture Commissioner. All of these races were relatively close. The biggest gap was the GOP’s 6% win for Attorney General. CFO was
- [Mississippi's Election Law Makes a Democratic Victory Tough](https://mcimaps.com/mississippis-election-law-makes-a-democratic-victory-tough/): Last night, Mississippi’s longtime Democratic Attorney General, Jim Hood, secured his party’s nomination for Governor. He will face a November general against the winner of the GOP runoff. While Waller and Reeves go onto a runoff, Hood can continue his focus on the general. Hood is by far the strongest candidate for Governor the Democrats
- [How Greece's Economic Crisis Upended its Party System](https://mcimaps.com/how-greeces-economic-crisis-upended-its-party-system/): Just a few weeks ago, Greece held elections for its parliament. The results were what polls predicted, a loss for the ruling SYRIZA party and a return of New Democracy (ND) to power. Despite Greece being on the recovery from its economic crisis, the economy is still fragile; and voters still feel the hurt of
- [How a Clerk of Court referendum proved Miami-Dade is the Exception](https://mcimaps.com/how-a-clerk-of-court-referendum-proved-miami-dade-is-the-exception/): Earlier this year, I wrote about Miami-Dade's performance in the 2018 elections. I touched on how unique Dade was compared with the rest of Florida and much of the nation when it came to race-based voting. Dade's large Cuban population makes it a county where Hispanics lean more R than D; while its white voters
- [The Special Election for HD7 - The Last of Florida's Conservative Democratic Districts](https://mcimaps.com/hd7-2019-special-election-the-last-of-floridas-conservative-democratic-districts/): A special election for Florida House District 7 is taking place today, June 17th. The district has the largest land mass in the state; covering 9 whole counties, and part of Leon, in North Florida. The seat became vacant after Republican Rep Halsey Beshears was appointed to Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration. Normally an election for
- [A Florida Congressman running for Alabama Senate - Why not?](https://mcimaps.com/a-florida-congressman-running-for-alabama-senate-why-not/): Backstory Last week, reports began to emerge that FL-01 Congressman Matt Gaetz was considering running for Alabama Senate next year. The Senate race will feature Democrat Doug Jones defending his seat after his epic special election win in 2017. Jones was a very strong candidate but there is no doubt the controversies surround Roy Moore
- [Five Rural Counties are Seceding from Colorado](https://mcimaps.com/five-rural-counties-are-seceding-from-colorado/): In 2013, eleven rural Colorado counties held referendums on seceding and forming a 51st State - "North Colorado." The referendums were, of course, non-binding and really served to send a message to the state government. The conservative counties were unhappy with liberal legislation coming out of a state that has been ticking more to the
- [What Went Wrong in Miami-Dade County in 2018](https://mcimaps.com/what-went-wrong-in-miami-dade-county-in-2018/): The 2018 Elections The 2018 midterms were a good night for nationwide Democrats. The party took control of the House of Representatives and pickup up 7 Governorships. However, in Florida, results were much bleaker for team blue. Andrew Gillum lost the Governor race to Ron DeSantis and three-term Incumbent Senator Bill Nelson lost to outgoing
- [Utah's Legislature is more Conservative than its Voters](https://mcimaps.com/utahs-legislature-is-more-conservative-than-its-voters/): Utah passed three left-wing ballot measures in 2018. A measure establishing medical marijuana, one expanding medicaid, and another establishing independent redistricting. However, in recent weeks the legislature of Utah has weakened the marijuana law and is debating undermining the medicaid expansion. Redistricting could be next. It is especially jarring to see a legislature dominated by
- [The Tale of Scott Maddox: Tallahassee's Boy Mayor](https://mcimaps.com/the-tale-of-scott-maddox-tallahassees-boy-mayor/): Last week, Tallahassee war rocked by the news that Scott Maddox, a longtime fixture in local politics, was indicted by the FBI on 44 criminal counts. The charges range from extortion, bribery, racketeering, and falsifying documents. The indictment lays out how Maddox used his position and votes to steer money to a consulting firm he
- [How Florida's Congressional Districts Voted in 2018](https://mcimaps.com/2018-congress/): Florida has five statewide races on its ballot in 2018. In addition to the high profile US Senate and Gubernatorial contests - Florida held elections for its Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer, and Agriculture Commissioner. All of these races were relatively close. The biggest gap was the GOP's 6% win for Attorney General. CFO was
- ["Franksgiving" - The Period from 1939 through 1941 when Thanksgiving was Partisan](https://mcimaps.com/franksgiving-the-period-from-1939-through-1941-where-thanksgiving-was-a-partisan-issue/): Thanksgiving Thanksgiving in America is meant to be a time of year when family gather together to eat and give thanks. Its also a time of year when family get together to watch football and argue about politics. However, for the most part we think of Thanksgiving as being above the political left-right debate. However,
- [The Numbers behind Broward County's Terrible Ballot Design](https://mcimaps.com/browards-poor-ballot-design/): Wednesday morning, I was sitting at work and trying to distract myself about the disappointing election results in Florida. Then, I received a phone call from Dan Sweeney at the Sun Sentinel. He had a question, why were there so many more votes cast for Florida Governor than US Senate? The number was around 25,000.
- [Final Florida Congressional Rankings for 2018](https://mcimaps.com/final-florida-congressional-rankings-for-2018/): Five months ago I released my preliminary congressional rankings. Which you can see below. Now, as election day is just around the corner, I have updated my rankings to reflect the latest data and on-the-ground reports. Several districts have moved, all in the direction for the Democrats. Shifts are as follows 6th - Likely GOP
- [Halloween Article:  The Elected Dead - When The Deceased win elections](https://mcimaps.com/halloween-article-the-elected-dead-when-the-deceased-win-elections/): In this final 2018 Halloween article, I take a quick look at the phenomenon of dead people winning elections. We have all heard stories of people sadly passing away on the campaign trail. In many states, a candidate's death means the party for that candidate can pick a replacement. Even if the ballot still says
- [Halloween Article:  The Nationalization of the 2017 Pennsylvania Coroner Elections](https://mcimaps.com/halloween-2018-article-the-nationalization-of-pennsylvania-coroner-elections/): Last year, I did an examination of the election of coroners in America (which I recommend you look at before moving forward here). Most Americans may be shocked to learn that the office responsible for dealing with the dead is still an elected PARTISAN position in much the country. The election of this office used to
- [Florida's 2018 State House Ratings](https://mcimaps.com/floridas-2018-state-house-rankings/): The entire Florida house, all 120 seats, is up for election in just 2 weeks. Democrats have not held the state house since the 1990s and since the 2000s have had to fight under heavily gerrymandered maps. While the State Senate and Congressional maps were forced to redraw their boundaries in 2015 - resulting in
- [Updated State Senate Rankings:  Democrats in position to take it back](https://mcimaps.com/updated-state-senate-rankings-democrats-in-position-to-take-it-back/): October Update When the 2018 election season began, Democrats looked like they had some decent opportunities to make a few gains. However, it is clear to me that the State Senate map is growing as election day draws closer. While Democrats started off focused on SD8, SD18, SD16, and SD36 – the map has rapidly
- [Nevada HD36 GOP Primary - The Moderate vs The Brothel Owner](https://mcimaps.com/nevada-hd36-the-moderate-vs-the-brothel-owner/): State of the Race Nevada will feature a large number of highly contested primaries on June 12th. Primaries for Governor, Congress, and Senate will get the bulk of media coverage. However, a primary for Nevada's 36th State House district is on track to be the one of the nastiest primaries of the cycle in Nevada.
- [Florida Primary Preview 2018](https://mcimaps.com/florida-primary-preview-2018/): Florida, the 3rd largest state in the nation, is holding its primary tomorrow, August 28th. There are a furry of primaries for politicos in and out of the state to watch. Below is my primary preview for Florida Gubernatorial Primaries Enough has been said about the Gubernatorial primaries. Just gonna hit the key points here.
- [Florida State Senate Rankings](https://mcimaps.com/florida-state-senate-rankings/): This election cycle, just over half of Florida's state senate districts are up for election. Florida State Senators are elected to four years terms, with even numbered districts up in the midterms and odd numbered districts up in Presidential cycles. In addition to the even districts, two seats are holding special elections at same time
- ['La Gringa' Wins - Democrats now hold majority on Miami-Dade County Commission](https://mcimaps.com/la-gringa-wins-democrats-now-hold-majority-on-miami-dade-county-commission/): A political earthquake sent shock-waves rippling through Miami-Dade politics last night. In the special election for Miami-Dade County District 5, Democratic-backed candidate Eileen Higgins upset Republican-aligned Zoraida Barreiro to give Democrats 7 of 13 seats on the county commission. This was never supposed to be what happened when the special election was called just a
- [Miami-Dade County Commission District 5 Special Election Preview (Updated with Results)](https://mcimaps.com/miami-dades-5th-county-commission-district-special-election/): At the end of March, longtime County Commissioner Bruno Barreiro announced he was resigning from the Miami-Dade commission to run for the Florida 27th district in the GOP primary. The resignation has resulted in a special election for his seat, the 5th district. The race has been largely characterized as a clash of prominent GOP families,
- [The Protest Vote in West Virginia's Democratic Primary for Senate](https://mcimaps.com/west_virginia_2018/): West Virginia's Democratic Senate Primary May 8th was the Democratic primary for US Senate in West Virginia. Conservative Democrat Joe Manchin is running for re-election in a seat that Donald Trump won over 67% of the vote in just two years earlier. Manchin, a former Governor, and Senator since 2010, is likely the only Democrat
- [Florida's Congressional District Rankings for 2018](https://mcimaps.com/congress_rankings/): Qualifying had ended for Florida's federal races. Now that we know who is running where, I wanted to do a rundown of the Florida's districts and see where each falls in the rankings. Florida's Current Delegation Florida's current districts do well reflecting the statewide vote in the state. This was thanks to mid-decade redistricting that
- [How Florida's Congressional Districts Voted and the Impact of Redistricting](https://mcimaps.com/how-floridas-congressional-districts-voted-and-the-impact-of-redistricting/): In 2015, Florida was ordered to undergo a round of mid-decade redistricting after the Florida Supreme Court found the 2012 Congressional Plan passed by the GOP-controlled Florida legislature to be unconstitutional. When the legislature failed to agree on a map, a judge selected a plan drawn by the coalition plaintiffs - who had originally filed
- [Why Florida HD39 Didn't Swing toward Democrats](https://mcimaps.com/why-florida-hd39-didnt-swing-toward-democrats/): Tuesday night saw two special elections in Florida. The main event was HD114, down in Miami-Dade, where Democrats held on to a swingish seat by outperforming historic down-ballot democratic margins while at the same time under-performing Clinton's win. As I wrote in my write-up on that; such a under-performance isn't surprising. Meanwhile, HD39, located in
- [Florida's Final 2018 Competitive State House Special Election: HD114 (UPDATE - DEMS WIN!)](https://mcimaps.com/floridas-final-2018-competitive-state-house-special-election-hd114/): May 1st will see the final state house special elections for Florida in the 2018 cycle. Two districts, HD39 and HD114 will be contested. While HD39 is a deep-red Trump+19 district, HD114 is a swing seat that is being fought over by both parties. The special election was trigger when Democrat Daisy Baez was forced
- [4/20 - A look at marijuana referendums in America](https://mcimaps.com/420-a-look-at-marijuana-referendums-in-america/): Growing Support for Marijuana For a long time, marijuana has a stereotype of burn outs, hippies, and crime. For decades the substance has been treated as a major offense by our society despite the fact it poses fewer risk than alcohol or tobacco. However, in the last few decades, public attitude and policy has begun to
- [How Florida's Desire to Make Daylight Savings Time Permanent would shift the Time Zone Map](https://mcimaps.com/how-floridas-desire-to-make-daylight-savings-time-permanent-would-shift-the-time-zone-map/): In the final weeks of Florida's Legislative Session, lawmakers took up a proposal by State Senator Greg Steube that would make daylight savings time permanent in Florida. The measure, if implemented, would mean Florida would not turn its clocks back in October. The effect of daylight savings time (when clocks are turned forward in March)
- [Clash of the Titans:  The 2018 Race for US Senate in Florida](https://mcimaps.com/clash-of-the-titans-the-2018-race-for-us-senate-in-florida/): Today, April 9th, Florida Governor Rick Scott is announcing he will run for US Senate against 18 year incumbent Bill Nelson. The race is poised to one of the most contentious in recent Florida history. In honor of the enormity of this race; I decided to take a quick look at the political history of
- [The Supreme Court to decide if West Virginia must be reunited with Virginia](https://mcimaps.com/the-supreme-court-to-decide-if-west-virginia-must-be-reunited-with-virginia/): In what could be an explosive political development, word is leaking from the legal community that the Supreme Court is going to take up a case that seeks to invalidate the separation of West Virginia and Virginia; forcing the two states to re-unite as one. The two states formed when West Virginia was separated from
- [#MarchForOurLives - A look at Gun Control Legislation in America](https://mcimaps.com/marchforourlives-a-look-at-gun-control-legislation-in-america/): Today, March 24th 2018, marks #MarchForOurLives - a day of marches and protests across the nation as people protest gun violence in America. The movement for gun control, which has been going on for years, was re-energized by the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland Florida. Since the tragedy, the debate over
- [Saint Patrick's Day Article:  Irish Ancestry in America](https://mcimaps.com/saint-patricks-day-article-irish-ancestry-in-america/): With St Patrick's Day I decided to take a quick look at Irish ancestry in America. Maps of Irish population centers are nothing new. For example, this map is from 1870. Irish Americans have played a major role in US history, both cultural and political. We often think of New York City and Boston as
- [The Legend of the "State of Dade"](https://mcimaps.com/the-legend-of-the-state-of-dade/): On July 4th, 1945, the nation celebrated as it finally became a united country for the first time since before the Civil War. The Chattanooga Free Press proudly proclaimed “The Stars and Stripes waved in a gentle breeze today above Dade County Courthouse, last citadel of the Confederacy." Dade County, Georgia has finally rejoined the
- [Good Morning Sarasota! - How Democrats Flipped HD72](https://mcimaps.com/good-morning-sarasota-how-democrats-flipped-hd72/): Florida Democrats have secured their second special election win of the 2017-2018 election cycle. Democrat Margaret Good defeated Republican James Buchanan to win House District 72; a white, suburban seat based out of Sarasota. This win marks a continued trend of Democrats outperforming Clinton's margins from the 2016 elections. Trump won this district by 5%,
- [Hendry County Moving to At-Large Elections Could Violate the VRA](https://mcimaps.com/hendry-countys-move-to-at-large-elections-could-violate-the-vra/): Hendry County is often forgotten in Florida residents. With a population of just 40,000 people and dominated by farmland, its one of the many "drive through" counties of the state. Its political importance comes from its role as one of several counties with large sugarcane production: a staple crop of Florida. However, even the most
- [Florida's 2016 State Attorney Elections - The Growing Power of "Reform"](https://mcimaps.com/floridas-2016-state-attorney-elections-the-growing-power-of-reform/): For the longest time in America, elections for prosecutors revolved around "law and order." Candidates won by pledging strict punishments and cracking down. However, recent years have been a notable shift in the dynamics of these elections. Candidates are running, and winning, on platforms of reform. Second chances for youth offenders, treatment for drug dependencies,
- [The Timeline of Passage of Martin Luther King Jr Day](https://mcimaps.com/the-timeline-of-passage-of-martin-luther-king-jr-day/): Every 3rd Monday of January, America celebrates the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr; the face of the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Dr King's commitment to non-violence as a way to protest the Jim Crow south were instrumental in turning the nation's attention toward the struggle of African-Americans to secure basic rights in
- [Civil War History:  Florida's Road Toward Secession](https://mcimaps.com/floridas-road-toward-secession/): On this day, January 10th, in 1861, Florida seceded from the union and joined the confederacy of southern states. This article aims to take a short look at Florida's often-overlooked road toward secession. Growing Secessionist Sentiment in Florida Like the rest of the nation, the 1950s was an extremely tense time in Florida politics. Growing
- [A Tale of Two Cities:  The Political/Racial Divide in Atlanta's Mayoral Runoff](https://mcimaps.com/a-tale-of-two-cities-the-politicalracial-divide-in-atlantas-mayoral-runoff/): Atlanta is a city starkly divided. This is no surprise to its residents but the extend of the divide may come as a shock to those less familiar with the area. The city is split between its affluent white North and its poorer, African-American south. Once a heavily majority African-American city, considered a "Black Mecca"
- [Leon's Charter Review Board is Considering Proposals that will weaken African-American electoral power](https://mcimaps.com/leons-charter-review-board-is-considering-proposals-that-will-weaken-african-american-electoral-power/): Leon County, Florida is currently in the middle of going through its Charter Review process. The county, home to Florida’s capital, became a charter county in 2002, and every eight years the county commission appoints individuals to the ‘Charter Review Board’ to consider changes that can be put forward to the voters. It has come
- [Hanukkah Article:  The Geography of Jews in America](https://mcimaps.com/hanukkah-article-the-geography-of-jews-in-america/): December 12th marks the beginning of the 2017 Hanukkah celebration. This holiday marks a holy celebration in the Jewish community of the rededication of the Second Temple. It is also a time for children to create dreidels and menorahs in arts and crafts class (fond memories). To mark the start of this celebration, I decided
- [Sweet Home Alabama:   How Doug Jones Won](https://mcimaps.com/sweet-home-alabama-how-doug-jones-won/): Well, that was one hell of a political earthquake. For the first time since 1992, a Democrat has won a US Senate Election in Alabama. Democrat Doug Jones, a US Attorney, defeated former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore by 1.5% of the vote. Moore, always a controversial figure in Alabama politics, finally became too toxic
- [Where Your Christmas Tree Comes From](https://mcimaps.com/where-your-christmas-trees-come-from/): The United States is in the middle of a nationwide Christmas Tree Shortage; a result of under-planting during the Great Recession. You may have felt this when going out for a tree this year: being stung by higher than normal prices or finding your favorite lot out of trees. Areas that rely entirely on imports,
- [Catalonia's Regional Elections Give Independence Parties a Majority](https://mcimaps.com/catalonias-regional-elections-give-independence-parties-a-majority/): In October of 2017, Catalonia, a semi-autonomous region of Spain, held a referendum on becoming an independent nation. The measure passed when opponents boycotted; setting of a chaotic series of events when the Spanish Government moved to strip the region of its autonomy and dissolve the regional parliament (at the time controlled by pro-independence parties).
- [Alabama's Effort to Close DMV's Is Racially motivated](https://mcimaps.com/alabamas-effort-to-close-dmvs-is-racially-motivated/): In 2010, Alabamas state legislature fell into Republican hands for the first time since reconstruction. The long-held Democratic majority was replaced with a Republican super-majority in one night. The Republicans of Alabama wasted little time working to cement their hold on power. They gerrymandered the legislative boundaries to pack in African-Americans, a move so blatant
- [Joel Osteen Makes Millions off Prosperity Gospel: Does Little for the Poor](https://mcimaps.com/joel-osteen-makes-millions-off-prosperity-gospel-does-little-for-the-poor/): Joel Osteen has been on television stations and in bookstores for years as the “smiling preacher.” Osteen has built and empire through a method of Gospel that does not focus on condemnation or hate; a direct contrast with Christian Right leaders such as Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson. Osteen’s message has attacked huge audiences over
- [Reformation Day - Christianity in America](https://mcimaps.com/reformation-day-christianity-in-america/): October 31st, 2017 marks the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther nailing the 95 These to the the Catholic Church door in his town, beginning what we now call the reformation; the great split of the Catholic Church in Europe. Ok, actually the whole nailing to the door thing has been dramatized a bit, but the
- [Halloween Article:  The Election of Coroners in America](https://mcimaps.com/halloween-article-the-election-of-coroners-in-america/): In celebration of Halloween this year, I decided to take a look at one of the most unknown and definitely most morbid, elected offices in America - County Coroner. Many if not most be would be shocked to find out coroners are still an elected position in America. Indeed, just under 1,300 counties in
- [Jackson County, Florida Votes to become a 100% Wet County](https://mcimaps.com/jackson-county-florida-votes-to-become-a-100-wet-county/): At some point in your life you have heard the term "dry county." For many of us it's when we are trying and failing to buy alcohol while on a trip out of town. Despite Prohibition ending in the 1930s, there are still many places in American where you cannot purchase alcohol. Some jurisdictions limit
- [How Miami Beach's Referendum on Last Call Crashed and Burned](https://mcimaps.com/how-miami-beachs-referendum-on-last-call-crashed-and-burned/): Miami Beach is many things to many people. For many its a great place to retire right on the beaches. For middle aged folks its a tropical paradise to raise a family in. For locals and visitors its a place to party and have fun. For college students its the site of legendary South Beach.
- [Miami Forever - The Politics behind A City's Preparation for Climate Change](https://mcimaps.com/miami-forever-the-politics-behind-a-citys-preparation-for-climate-change/): The November 7th, 2017 elections saw a huge swath of premier races that got a good deal of state and national attention. Virginia and New Jersey Gubernatorial elections dominated national coverage while Florida's political press closely watched the St Petersburg Mayoral runoff. However, in Miami-Dade county the most closely watched election was for a $400
- [The Great Comeback in St Pete:  Kriseman re-elected](https://mcimaps.com/the-great-comeback-in-st-pete-kriseman-re-elected/): This is the second installment about the St Petersburg Mayoral Election. For more background on St Pete politics, check out my August article. St Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, the first Democratic mayor the city has in decades, was seen as a dead man walking as he faced re-election against the very popular former Mayor, Rick
- [What FL HD44 (and HD116) Tells Us About Florida Democrat's Prospects](https://mcimaps.com/what-fl-hd44-and-hd116-tells-us-about-florida-democrats-prospects/): Florida House District 44's special election received little attention compared to other more high-profile races like St Petersburg Mayor and Senate District 40. The district was opened when Rick Scott appointed Incumbent GOP Representative Eric Eisnaugle to be a circuit judge. This meant a traditionally GOP seat that flipped to Clinton last year would be open.
- [Does a Majority of Catalonia want to Secede from Spain?  A Look at the 2017 Referendum](https://mcimaps.com/does-a-majority-of-catalonia-want-to-secede-from-spain-a-look-at-the-2017-referendum/): European politics this week has been dominated by a region of Spain that most people have likely never heard much about: Catalonia. This autonomous community in the NE end of Spain has thrown Spanish and European politics into chaos with its recent referendum to secede and become its own nation. Catalonia is culturally very different
- [How Democrats Won Florida Senate District 40](https://mcimaps.com/how-democrats-won-florida-senate-district-40/): The premier special election for Florida took place last night; the fight for Senate District 40. Deep in the heart of Miami-Dade County, the district was vacated by scandal-plagued Frank Artiles, setting up a multi-million dollar special election that both parties felt they had a chance at winning. SD40 is solidly Democrat for President but
- [How Rick Kriseman Avoided Defeat in St Pete](https://mcimaps.com/how-rick-kriseman-avoided-defeat-in-st-pete/): St Petersburg's 2017 Mayoral Election is one of the most unique municipal races in Florida. A democratic city (giving Hillary Clinton 59% of the vote) with a popular Democratic Mayor who raised $700,000 for his re-election -- August should have been a formality. Yet for months that Democratic Mayor, Rick Kriseman, was expected to lose the
- [Kenya's Presidential Results Were Fair - But Its Ethnic Divide is Concerning](https://mcimaps.com/kenyas-presidential-results-were-fair-but-its-ethnic-divide-is-concerning/): Kenya held its 2017 Presidential Election on August 8th. Incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta won a second term in the first round of voting with 54% over Raila Odinga. This also marked the 2nd election for Kenya where widespread violence and vote rigging did not occur. The 2017 contest was a repeat of the 2013 race, which saw Kenyatta
- [The Utah 3rd District:  A look back at Trump's Mormon Problem](https://mcimaps.com/the-utah-3rd-district-a-look-back-at-trumps-mormon-problem/): The GOP primary for special election in Utah's 3rd district has received very little attention. More focus has been placed on the Alabama Senate Primary occurring that same day and many politicos and the media are burned out by a flurry of special elections early this year. However, the special election for Utah's 3rd district,
- [Lisa Murkowski's Electoral Coalition](https://mcimaps.com/lisa-murkowskis-electoral-coalition/): Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski (R) has been a major thorn in the side of the Republican Party this year. The Alaskan Senator, along with Maine Senator Susan Collins, has been instrumental in killing assorted efforts to repeal Obamacare, as well as nearly tanking Donald Trump's pick for Education Secretary. Murkowski has quickly found herself on
- [Florida Primary Previews for SD40 and HD116](https://mcimaps.com/florida-primary-previews-for-sd40-and-hd116/): July 25th is the date of two special election primaries in Miami-Dade County. The specials are a result of the resignation of Republican Senator Frank Artiles. Artiles was forced to resign before the end of the spring legislative session when news broke of racially-charged language and cursing he directing at African-American lawmakers. Artiles remained defiant
- [What to Watch for In the Kansas 4th District Special Election (Updated with Results)](https://mcimaps.com/what-to-watch-for-in-the-kansas-4th-district-special-election/): The special election in the Kansas 4th district is not supposed to be on anyone's radar. When Donald Trump picked Congressman Mike Pompeo to be his CIA director, ratings for the special election started at "Safe R." The district is solid red, voting for Trump by 27 points. It includes Wichita and several rural farm
- [Preview of the CA-34 Runoff:  The Forgotten Special Election (Updated With Results)](https://mcimaps.com/preview-of-the-ca-34-runoff-the-forgotten-special-election/): June 6th will feature the special election runoff for the California 34th district. The seat, deep in the heart of Los Angeles, was vacated when Congressman Xavier Becerra was appointed California Attorney General. This forced a special election in a seat that gave Hillary Clinton over 80% of the vote in 2016, ensuring all focus would
- [House of Cards - The Unrealistic Political Show - Had a Realistic Electoral Map](https://mcimaps.com/house-of-cards-the-unrealistic-political-show-had-a-realistic-electoral-map/): Two years ago, I wrote an article about how Electoral Maps on TV Shows Make No Sense. VEEP featured a map with Democrat Selina Meyer winning Florida but losing Delaware. The West Wing, meanwhile, had Democrat Jed Bartlet winning the Dakotas and Indiana while Democrat Matt Santos is winning South Carolina but losing Florida. I called
- [Florida Redistricting: The Process is Broken and it is Time for a Change](https://mcimaps.com/florida-redistricting-the-process-is-broken-and-it-is-time-for-a-change/): If you were waiting for more evidence that an independent or bipartisan redistricting commission is needed in Florida, the last several months have proved it. Florida continues to have no finalized Congressional or State Senate maps, leaving local election officials hamstrung as they gear up for a Presidential Primary just around the corner. The Congressional Maps were just
- [New Jefferson Commission Map Still Hurts African-Americans](https://mcimaps.com/new-jefferson-commission-map-still-hurts-african-americans/): Three months ago, I wrote about Jefferson County, FL and its county commission/school board maps. The commission map had become subject of a lawsuit over whether using the population of a prison towards the commission lines was gerrymandering. I advise you to read about the past issues with the Jefferson Commission and the use of
- [May 26, 1845 - Florida's First Gubernatorial Election](https://mcimaps.com/may-26-1845-floridas-first-gubernatorial-election/): On May 26th, 1845, two months after being admitted statehood, Florida held its first Gubernatorial Election. Florida's road to statehood was not simple. The panic of 1837 had hurt the state's finances and divided its population over the issue of banks and lending. Sectional splits between the panhandle and the east had become so
- [What to Watch for in Montana's Special Election](https://mcimaps.com/what-to-watch-for-in-montanas-special-election/): The special election for Montana's At-Large seat is upon us. The election was triggered by Donald Trump appointing Congressman Zinke as Interior Secretary, leaving a seat up for grabs that Democrats have not held since 1996. The seat has attracted money and interest, but Republicans, aiming to avoid a shock result, have been
- [The politics of Slot Machines in Florida](https://mcimaps.com/the-politics-of-slot-machines-in-florida/): On Thursday, May 18th 2017, Florida's Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision striking down slot machines in Gadsden County. Gadsden had approved slot machines for the racing track in the city of Gretna, approving the proposal in a 2012 local referendum. The argument from the court was simple, Florida's constitution only allowed slot machines in
- [The Regional Disparity in Florida's Judicial Retention Elections](https://mcimaps.com/the-regional-disparity-in-floridas-judicial-retention-elections/): Last week, the Florida House passed a bill creating 12 year term limits for Supreme Court Justices. Florida justices already must retire around or shortly after their 70th birthday and face a retention election every 6 years. The main argument for the term limits proposal was that justices have never lost their retention votes,
- [How High-End Student Complexes Created the Most GOP Precinct In Leon County](https://mcimaps.com/how-high-end-student-complexes-created-the-most-gop-precinct-in-leon-county/): Leon County is one of only six Florida counties to vote Democrat for President in every election since 1992. A combination of three campuses (FSU/FAMU/TCC), a notable African-American population, and a large base of state employees, make it a reliable Democratic county. That said, there are plenty of Republican strongholds in the region. Leon's northern
- [Results of 2017 Broward Municipal Elections](https://mcimaps.com/results-of-2017-broward-municipal-elections/): A handful of Broward's 30+ cities held their municipal elections on March 14th. While more cities are moving their elections to correspond with the federal/state races; plenty, citing a desire to keep low-key races from getting lost in the shuffle, opt for spring elections. Some elections where contentious while others proved to be blowouts. Deerfield Beach
- [Presidential Results by Florida State House District](https://mcimaps.com/presidential-results-by-florida-state-house-district/): In 2015, Florida’s Congressional and State Senate districts where struck down as GOP gerrymanders that violated the Fair District Standard of the Florida Constitution. However, Florida’s state house districts never saw a similar challenge. The plaintiffs that successfully sued over the U.S. House/Florida Senate maps plainly stated that the cost of research into so many
- [Presidential Results by Florida Senate District and the Impact of Redistricting](https://mcimaps.com/presidential-results-by-florida-senate-district-and-the-effects-of-redistricting/): In 2015, Florida underwent mid-decade redistricting for its state senate lines, around the same time it was forced to redraw its congressional boundaries. Unlike the congressional case, where the state supreme court ordered a redraw, the legislature avoided a verdict and agreed to redraw their lines after evidence came to light that the legislature had worked to circumvent
- [The FDP Weighted Vote: Is Reform Needed?](https://mcimaps.com/the-fdp-weighted-vote-is-reform-needed/): Note to readers: This post is going to be very different from previous articles. Rather than discussing a normal election or demographic trend, I will be looking at Florida’s 2013 election for Democratic Party Chair. This post will cover a bit of history of the race but focus largely on the weighting system used to
- [Trump and the Mormon Vote:  Can Evan McMullin make it on the map?](https://mcimaps.com/trump-and-the-mormon-vote-can-evan-mcmullin-make-it-on-the-map/): Donald Trump has problems with many different blocks if voters. He is a bogyman to Hispanics, despised by African-Americans, and off-putting to college educated and suburban whites. However, to me the most fascinating of Trump's problems is with Mormon Americans, a group that is traditional one of the strongest for the GOP, but this
- [Florida Senate District 19 Primary:  Battle of the Bay](https://mcimaps.com/florida-senate-district-19-primary-battle-of-the-bay/): Anyone who followed my Florida redistricting coverage in 2015 knows I was strongly against a senate district that linked Tampa and St Petersburg by crossing the Tampa Bay. The argument was that only by linking the African-Americans of Tampa and downtown St Peterburg could a proper African-American access seat be created. The flaw in this
- [The 2016 US Senate Democratic Primary Results and the Continued North Florida Protest Vote](https://mcimaps.com/the-2016-us-senate-democratic-primary-results-and-the-continued-north-florida-protest-vote/): The US Senate Primary for the Democratic Party was a landslide with for Patrick Murphy. Murphy got 59% of the vote, with Alan Grayson, the disgraced congressman, down at 17%. Murphy won by dominated the Southeast counties and performed strong in Tampa Bay. Grayson managed to hold the Orlando area, where he has
- [The Tale of the Panhandle Protest Vote:  Expect anti-grayson and anti-murphy votes in North Florida](https://mcimaps.com/the-tale-of-the-panhandle-protest-vote-expect-anti-grayson-and-anti-murphy-votes-in-north-florida/): On the night before the 2014 Democratic Gubernatorial Primary, I correctly predicted that Nan Rich would do best in the rural panhandle of Florida. My prediction was based off a recent history of unknown candidates doing very well in the panhandle as a way of conservative, southern democrats casting protest votes. My logic was simple:
- [Florida's First Minor-Party Primary:  Battle of the Libertarians](https://mcimaps.com/floridas-first-minor-party-primary-battle-of-the-libertarians/): On the August 30th ballot, for the first time in Florida's history, there will be a primary for a minor party nomination for US Senate. Candidates Augustus Invictus and Paul Stanton are set to face off. The race will only be on the ballot of registered libertarians, who only make up just over 26,000 of
- [Local Politics > Hardline Ideology:  Farming helped the Establishment take Down Tim Huelskamp](https://mcimaps.com/local-politics-hardline-ideology-farming-helped-the-establishment-take-down-tim-huelskamp/): Every since Republicans took control of Congress in 2010, the Republican caucus has been more fractured and divided than anytime in modern history. The wave of new Congresspeople featured many "Tea Party" politicians than ran and won on bucking the establishment. However, GOP leaders soon realized that the "establishment" did just refer to Obama
- [The Most Important Convention Roll Call in History: The 1944 Democratic Convention](https://mcimaps.com/the-most-important-convention-roll-call-in-history-the-1944-democratic-convention/): For the last several weeks, the national political debate has been focused on the "Veepstakes;" the time every for years when the nation waits to see who each major party's nominee will select as their running mate. The issue of picking a vice president often comes down to politics. Candidate's try to pick candidates that will
- [There will no longer be an African-American Representing Harlem - Quick Look at the NY13 Primary](https://mcimaps.com/there-will-no-longer-be-an-african-american-representing-harlem-quick-look-at-the-ny13-primary/): New York Congressman Charlie Rangel opted to retire in 2016 after over 4 decades in Congress. Rangel was a powerful figure in New York and Democratic politics, surviving ethics investigation and major changes to his Congressional District. When Rangel won his seat in Congress in 1970, the district was an African-American seat, but over the
- [The New York 10th Democratic Primary - Borough Park vs Manhattan](https://mcimaps.com/the-new-york-10th-democratic-primary-borough-park-vs-manhattan/): New York Democratic Congressman Jared Nadler angered some in his district when he backed President Obama's Iran Deal, which lifted sanctions on the Islamic Nation in exchange for it ending its nuclear program. By all accounts, the deal has worked, with Iran ending its program, ties between Iran and the West improving, and moderates making
- [Mapping the Brexit](https://mcimaps.com/mapping-the-brexit/): Great Britain shocked the world by voting to exit the European Union last night. The effects of the Brexit, as its been dubbed, are already being felt and will continue to be felt for some time. The Pound is in free-fall and Prime Minister David Cameron, who opposed the effort to leave the EU,
- [Virginia's 2nd District Primary -- When Carpetbagging backfires](https://mcimaps.com/virginias-2nd-district-primary-when-carpetbagging-backfires/): Virginia Congressman Randy Forbes shouldn't have had any troubles getting re-elected in 2016. The Congressman has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2001 and has faced little electoral trouble in his 15 year congressional career. Forbes initially sat in the 4th congressional district, which following the 2012 round of redistricting, was a
- [Breaking Apart the Myth that Clinton Won the Southern Primaries because they were 'conservative'](https://mcimaps.com/breaking-apart-the-myth-that-clinton-won-the-southern-primaries-because-they-were-conservative/): This article is part of a series I will be conducting on the 2016 Democratic Primary. The Real Reason the Southern States Backed Clinton Hillary Clinton was always considered the front-runner for the Democratic nomination. Sanders proved a much stronger opponent than anticipated in 2015, and by early 2016 his campaign was looking for
- [Analyzing the Libertarian Convention Roll Call Votes](https://mcimaps.com/analyzing-the-libertarian-convention-roll-call-votes/): This past weekend, the national media and the most hardcore of election junkies turned their attention to Orlando, Florida. The Sunshine State was the site of the 2016 Libertarian Party Convention and a major fight was brewing over who would take the nomination. Normally the inner battles of a third party that didn't even
- [Kentucky's Coal Counties Acted like West Virginia - but weren't enough to stop a Clinton win](https://mcimaps.com/kentuckys-coal-counties-acted-like-west-virginia-but-werent-enough-to-stop-a-clinton-win/): On Monday I wrote that Kentucky's Democratic Primary could be a repeat of West Virginia. When Clinton lost West Virginia last week, we saw a large share of conservative Democrats back Sanders despite their intentions to vote for Trump in the fall. Much of this vote was tied to coal and the region's economic
- [Kentucky Primary Preview:  West Virginia Part II](https://mcimaps.com/kentucky-primary-preview-west-virginia-part-ii/): Tuesday is the day of the Democratic Presidential Primary in Kentucky. Bernie Sanders is still trying to amass delegates in an increasingly long-shot effort to get the Democratic nomination. Clinton, hoping to put Sander's away for good, has opted to actually spend money in the contest after ignoring Indiana and West Virginia. Kentucky's closed primary is
- [The West Virginia Democratic Primary Protest Vote and Bernie Sanders](https://mcimaps.com/the-west-virginia-democratic-primary-protest-vote-and-bernie-sanders/): The day of the West Virginia primary, I posted this article predicting an especially large number of ballots to be cast for candidates other than Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton. Overall I expected Sanders to win by double digits due to demographics, but that the main story would be how many voters rejected both candidates.
- [West Virginia Democratic Primary Poised to have high protest vote](https://mcimaps.com/west-virginia-democratic-primary-poised-to-have-high-protest-vote/): West Virginia and the Democratic Presidential Primary Today is the West Virginia Presidential Primary. With Trump having secured the Republican nomination and already leading polls in the state by wide margins, most attention is focused on the Democratic side. While Clinton still stands poised to win the Democratic nomination, Sander's is favored in West
- [The Florida Democratic Party Delegate Caucuses:  What are your chances](https://mcimaps.com/delegates-chances/): On May 7th, Democrats across Florida will be able to go to caucus sites in their congressional districts to cast ballots for delegates to go to the Democratic National Convention this summer. The caucus system is open for any registered Democrat to vote in. Individuals have applied to be either Clinton or Sander delegates.
- [Florida Primary Preview](https://mcimaps.com/florida-primary-preview/): Florida’s presidential primary is right around the corner. This article will look at both primaries as Trump tries to knock Rubio out in his home state and Clinton aims to rack up a big win to secure her delegate lead. Democratic Primary Hillary Clinton is the presumptive favorite to win the Democratic nomination and win
- [Media Market Analysis:  Can Georgia and Alabama Primary results foretell North Florida?](https://mcimaps.com/media-market-analysis-can-georgia-and-alabama-primary-results-foretell-north-florida/): Super Tuesday delivered strong for Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Both candidates walked away with large delegate leads many states in their column. Both did especially well in the southern primaries. Trump won several of the southern primaries with double digit wins and Clinton dominated the south, getting more than 60% in Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia,
- [Updated Handicapping of Democratic Presidential Primary States](https://mcimaps.com/updated-handicapping-of-democratic-presidential-primary-states/): Today is March 1st, the long-awaited SEC primary. This seemed like a good time to do a quick update on where things stand in the fight for the Democratic nomination. Increases in polling and and the first four primary states provide a clearer picture on the next two weeks of voting. I highly recommend you
- [A Trip Through History on the Florida Republicans who voted to keep a Confederate General Statue in the Capital](https://mcimaps.com/a-trip-through-history-on-the-florida-republicans-who-voted-to-keep-a-confederate-general-statue-in-the-capital/): On February 23rd, the Florida House voted to remove a statue of Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith. The vote was pushed by Democrats and African-American lawmakers as part of a growing movement in southern states to remove old symbols of the Confederacy. The Senate passed the removal 33-7 and the House concurred 83-32. The
- [Nan Rich will do best in the Panhandle on Primary night (but not because they like her)](https://mcimaps.com/nan-rich-will-do-best-in-the-panhandle-on-primary-night-but-not-because-they-like-her/): Note: This post has been updated at the bottom to discuss the August 26th results Background August 26th marks the end of the Democratic Primary for Governor in Florida. The race pitted Charlie Crist, the former Republican Governor and establishment favorite for the nomination, against Nan Rich, a liberal former state senator from Broward County.
- [Nan Rich: Favorite Daughter of the Dixiecrats](https://mcimaps.com/nan-rich-favorite-daughter-of-the-dixiecrats/): On the evening before the 2014 Florida Primaries, I posted an article making the argument that Nan Rich, a south Florida lawmaker challenging Charlie Crist in the Democratic Primary for Governor, would do better in the conservative panhandle than in the urban liberal centers. I highly encourage you to read the article before continuing here.
- [The Spectacular Self-Destruction of Steve Stewart](https://mcimaps.com/the-spectacular-self-destruction-of-steve-stewart/): This is a cautionary tale for all those future or past candidates out there. The subject, Mr. Steve Stewart, is centered around politics in Tallahassee, Florida. However, the lessons learned can be applied across the country. It is the tale of going from being a legitimate contender for office to a full-blown perennial candidate. If
- [Politics in Suburbia: Time for Cooper City Commissioner John Sims to Go](https://mcimaps.com/politics-in-suburbia-time-for-cooper-city-commissioner-john-sims-to-go/): Cooper City, FL likes to refer to itself as “someplace special.” It is a quiet little city with a population of just over 30,000–a small suburb planted in the middle of the dense urban environment of Broward County. It can be easy to miss Cooper City, but if you look for it, it’s right there
- [The Nine Political Lives of Pat Quinn](https://mcimaps.com/the-nine-political-lives-of-pat-quinn/): In mid-to-late 2013, Pat Quinn was being written off for re-election. His approval was in the 20s or 30s, and a primary challenger seemed likely to knock him off before he even made it to the general elections. Now, in late October of 2014, Quinn seems to still have some life left in him. Polling
- [Jefferson County Commission and School Board Districts Disenfranchise African-Americans](https://mcimaps.com/jefferson-county-commission-and-school-board-districts-disenfranchise-african-americans/): Jefferson County, Florida, a small Democratic-leaning county just to the east of Tallahassee, is currently being sued by the ACLU over its 5 single-member commission districts, which are used for both County Commission and School Board elections. The suing parties say that the districts use prison gerrymandering to inflate the minority population of one district specifically, District 3.
- [Judge Reynolds picks CPS4a, some quick notes](https://mcimaps.com/judge-reynolds-picks-cps4a-some-quick-notes/): Judge Reynolds' decision came out today, another chapter in the Florida Senate redistricting saga. You can my past articles on the Senate redistricting saga here, here, here, here, and here, Reynolds had to pick a final Senate map to for the Florida Supreme Court to sign off on and he selected a map proposed by the coalition plaintiffs, map CPS4A.
- [New Numbers for the Florida Senate Map](https://mcimaps.com/new-numbers-for-the-florida-senate-map/): Today the legislature used a random number system to renumber the map selected by Judge Reynolds a few days ago. More details on the map and who may run where can be found in that link. Below is a high-resolution, zoomable map of CPS4a with the new numbering configuration. And here are is the
- [Handicapping the Democratic Primaries from Iowa through March 15th](https://mcimaps.com/handicapping-the-democratic-primaries-from-iowa-through-march-15th/): With the Iowa caucuses one week away, coverage and poll releases for the Democratic Primary for President have reached a fever pitch. According to nationwide polling, Hillary Clinton maintains a double digit lead over liberal firebrand Bernie Sanders. However, polls in Iowa are neck and neck and Sanders leads in New Hampshire. The possibility of
- [The North Florida Way: How Gwen Graham Won FL-02](https://mcimaps.com/the-north-florida-way-how-gwen-graham-won-fl-02/): November 4th, 2014 was a bad night for Democrats across the nation. Democrats fell short in several Gubernatorial elections, lost nine Senate Seats, and lost over ten House seats. Democratic fortunes in the South were abysmal. The Arkansas Governors Mansion went Republican, Senators Prior and Hagan lost their re-elections, and Senator Landrieu in Louisiana was
- [The Local Elections Florida Democrats Should be Watching](https://mcimaps.com/the-local-elections-florida-democrats-should-be-watching/): Democrats across Florida are eager to see the results of the Governors Race between Charlie Crist and Rick Scott. In addition to the Crist v Scott match up, Democrats are invested in the Attorney General Election between George Sheldon and Pam Bondi, two major congressional races, and a handful of state house and senate elections.
- [The New Florida 5th:  There's a feeling I get as I look to the West](https://mcimaps.com/the-new-florida-5th-theres-a-feeling-i-get-as-i-look-to-the-west/): Now that Florida’s Supreme Court has signed off on a Congressional map, the voters of Florida can finally know what districts they live in. For voters in North Florida, this means dramatic changes to their current political situation. Many voters west of Walton County will find themselves either in a safe Republican seat that stretches
- [Updated Data Shows State Senate Districts Shouldn't Cross the Tampa Bay](https://mcimaps.com/updated-data-show-state-senate-districts-shouldnt-cross-the-tampa-bay/): One major point of contention during the first week of the Special Session to redraw the Florida Senate seats has been the Tampa Bay area. Many spectators expected the Florida Senate to abandon efforts to cross the Tampa Bay from Pinellas to Hillsborough County, which they did in two districts in 2012. You can see
- [How Florida Democrats fared in 2014′s Local Elections](https://mcimaps.com/how-florida-democrats-fared-in-2014′s-local-elections/): In 2013, I wrote an article on Democratic Party Strength at the local level. The article examined areas where Democrats were strong and weak on down-ballot races for county commission and constitutional officers. It has long been my view that local elections are critical to the future of any political party. Local elections allow parties to
- [Florida Senate District 7: A Case in Compact Gerrymandering](https://mcimaps.com/florida-senate-district-7-a-case-in-compact-gerrymandering/): Redistricting History In Florida, a great deal of attention has been paid to the issue of gerrymandering during the 2012 redistricting process. The state has been subjected to lawsuits over its Congressional and Legislative Maps by a coalition arguing the legislature violated new redistricting rules passed by voters in 2010. A lawsuit in the summer
- [Maps and Quick Thoughts on Broward’s Municipal Election Results](https://mcimaps.com/maps-and-quick-thoughts-on-browards-municipal-election-results/): As a Broward County resident for the first 19 years of my life, Broward County and its politics are still very close to me. The county, second largest in the state, has 35 cities and towns. Many of these cities host elections in the fall of even-numbered years to coincide with major races. However,
- [The Facts about the Jacksonville Runoff](https://mcimaps.com/the-facts-about-the-jacksonville-runoff/): The night of the March primary in Jacksonville, I wrote that Alvin Brown had a narrow path to victory. The mayor needed to win over supporters of Bill Bishop, the moderate Republican who came in third place, and he needed to dramatically increase Democratic turnout. When all was said and done on runoff night Alvin
- [Quick Thoughts on Jacksonville’s Upcoming Runoff](https://mcimaps.com/quick-thoughts-on-jacksonvilles-upcoming-runoff/): Jacksonville had its first round of voting Tuesday. Democrat Alvin Brown, first elected in an upset win in 2011, is seeking re-election in a hard-fought contest. Brown’s main challenger is Republican Lenny Curry, the former Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida. The race has been heated so far. Brown is facing stiff headwind due
- [Why the Wisconsin Supreme Court Election/Referendum Gave Conflicting Results](https://mcimaps.com/why-the-wisconsin-supreme-court-electionreferendum-gave-conflicting-results/): Wisconsin’s Supreme Court elections have been drawing a greater deal of scrutiny in recent years. The state has been racked by partisan fights as Governor Walker and his GOP legislature have pushed the state further to the right. The state Supreme Court has thus drawn more attention as it has become a decider on the
- [No Facts Behind Claims that the Kentucky Gubernatorial Election was Rigged](https://mcimaps.com/no-facts-behind-claims-that-the-kentucky-gubernatorial-election-was-rigged/): Not long after the ink was dry on articles declaring Matt Bevin the winner of the Kentucky Gubernatorial Election, a conspiracy theory arose that the election must have been rigged. Heading into the election, Democratic Attorney General Jack Conway had a small lead over Bevin, a Republican businessman whose campaign struggles and clashes with the
- [New Coalition Maps, DLP's Amendment, Oliva's Plan, and where things Currently Stand in Redistricting](https://mcimaps.com/new-coalition-maps-dlps-amendment-olivas-plan-and-where-things-currently-stand-in-redistricting/): Overview A good deal has happened in the ongoing redistricting saga in the last several days. The State Senate passed its proposed districts with a controversial amendment attached. The House redistricting committee has passed their own amended version of the map, and the coalition plaintiffs have now put forward three proposals. This article will go
- [The Coalition Plaintiff's Senate Proposal:  Some key issues](https://mcimaps.com/the-coalition-plaintiffs-senate-proposal-some-key-issues/): The coalition plaintiffs suing the Florida Legislature over the 2012 State Senate boundaries have opted to release one proposal they have for the Senate lines. The word from many is that the coalition may release another map, one that incorporates 2012 and 2014 primary data, which is an issue I have discussed on this blog.
- [Greek Referendum Results Outpaced Anti-Austerity Parties](https://mcimaps.com/greek-referendum-results-outpaced-anti-austerity-parties/): Greece held its referendum on whether or not to accept the terms of its bailout from the European Commission, International Monetary Fund, and the European Central Bank. For years, Greece has gotten billions in bailout funds with conditions heavily rooted in austerity: deep social cuts and tax/fee increases. For the last several years, Greece has
- [The Numbers Behind Ireland’s Historic Vote on Same-Sex Marriage](https://mcimaps.com/the-numbers-behind-irelands-historic-vote-on-same-sex-marriage/): On May 22nd, Ireland became the first nation in the world to legalize same-sex marriage by popular referendum. The vote for approval was 62%, amazingly high considering Ireland’s reputation as a more conservative, Catholic nation. Polls constantly showed a major lead for the YES side of the referendum; which had the backing of all major
- [Why Can’t TV Shows Create an Electoral Map that makes Sense](https://mcimaps.com/why-cant-tv-shows-create-an-electoral-map-that-makes-sense/): The Season 4 finale of the hit HBO show, Veep, saw President Selina Meyer learn her fate as she sought to get elected to a full term as President. The electoral map that resulted from the episode was a little odd for anyone who follows Presidential politics. States were won by parties you would never
- [The Complete Breakdown of Florida's Proposed Congressional Districts](https://mcimaps.com/the-complete-breakdown-of-floridas-proposed-congressional-districts/): 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
- [Leon County Must be Kept Whole in any Congressional District](https://mcimaps.com/leon-county-must-be-kept-whole-in-any-congressional-district/): In today’s Tallahassee Democrat article, DNC member Jon Ausman and myself advocated for keeping Leon County whole in any new congressional district drawn in next month’s Special Session. The Supreme Court ordered that the current 5th Congressional district, stretching from Jacksonville to Orlando, be eliminated and a new east-west district be drawn. The court cited
- [Looking at the Florida redistricting maps offered by the plaintiffs](https://mcimaps.com/looking-at-the-florida-redistricting-maps-offered-by-the-plaintiffs/): When Judge Terry Lewis convenes his redistricting trial later this month, there will be 7 different maps to examine — three from the Legislature and four from the plaintiffs. This article will cover some key differences in the maps being proposed. The specific focus is going to be on the maps submitted by the plaintiffs
- [The ultimate guide to the six state Senate base maps](https://mcimaps.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-six-state-senate-base-maps/): 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 to come to an agreement on one final map; something they failed to

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- [About](https://mcimaps.com/about/): I analyze and visualize the trends and data that can make a difference in a close election. I have worked with candidates seeking every level of government office
- [Historic US Congressional Votes](https://mcimaps.com/historic-us-elections/): Indian Removal Act The story of Andrew Jackson and the expulsion of Native Americans from the eastern states is well documented. What often gets overlooked is the Congressional votes on the the removal. The US House vote passed with just 4 votes. The most notable NO vote was Tennessee Congressman Davy Crockett; who said "I
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## Tags

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