With Trump's approval rating in the dumpster, this is the chance for Democrats in Florida

But it requires that every spot on the ballot has a candidate. You can help.

According to the latest polling, President Donald Trump’s approval rating has plummeted to a mere 30 percent for his handling of the nation’s economy.

And as we have learned, when it comes to elections, “It’s the economy, stupid.”

Trump’s current cellar-dwelling ratings in the latest AP-NORC poll are similar to Joe Biden’s during 2022 when, like now, inflation was eroding consumers’ buying power. Trump frequently cited Biden as a “loser” for those poll numbers, and he made improving the economy a key campaign promise during his 2024 presidential campaign.

Obviously, it’s a promise he hasn’t kept, a failure driven by a tax policy that favors the rich, tariffs that drive up the cost of goods, and an illegal war in Iran that has caused the price of oil to skyrocket.

What does all this portend for the upcoming midterm elections in which the economy will unquestionably be a huge factor and in which many Republicans are running on Trump’s coattails?

It’s certainly not good news for Republicans. And it speaks to an unprecedented opportunity for Democrats.

Here in Florida, where we will be electing a new governor and U.S. senator, this could tip things in the Dems’ favor.

And it might also boost the chances of Democrats gaining seats in the Florida Legislature.

If…

If there are actually Democrats running against all the Republican candidates.

And, as this was written, that is not the case.

According to Margie Stein, who is leading a statewide candidate-recruiting effort, there are still about 38 seats—32 in the state House and 6 in the state Senate—in which Republicans will run unopposed.

This is nuts.

If there ever were a year for Democrats to step up, this is it.

Stein is heading up Project 140—the name is derived from the number of Florida House and Senate seats up for grabs in the midterms. Since I originally wrote about her organization’s recruitment efforts, about half the unopposed seats now have Democratic candidates.

But with about six weeks left before the qualifying deadline, more Democrats need to step up.

“So, I am trying to make a difference, and so can YOU by running for office.” That’s her pitch.

“If you believe in democracy, step up and become a candidate. Win or lose, you will be helping Florida politics change course and maybe even help elect a Democrat for governor, Senate or Congress by increasing the margin of election victory.

“In 2022, the Democratic Party did not compete in 53 state and federal seats in Florida. We can never do that again.”

I’m often asked by readers: “What can I do?”

Well, here’s your chance: Toss your hat into the ring.

Even if you are in a ruby red district, your efforts will result in more Democratic voters going to the polls. And those numbers can roll up to make the difference between a Democrat or a Republican in the governor’s mansion or the Senate.

And maybe even change the political dynamic in Tallahassee.

Give it a thought. And if you want more information on how to run and how to get help in doing so, here’s how to contact the organizers at Project 140:

In summary:

The upcoming midterm elections provide a generational opportunity to change the complexion of Florida’s political makeup. But for that to happen, Republican candidates for the state Legislature must face Democratic opponents on the ballot. Currently, there are far too many seats where Republicans stand to run unopposed. Here’s additional information on how we can fix that:

J.C. Bruce is the founder of Tropic Press, Florida’s largest newsletter and website dedicated to making you the smartest and most informed voter in the state. Information is power. Use it wisely.

Related:

Trump’s approval on economy falls in AP-NORC poll, showing new warning signs for president

To get out the vote, we need to get out the candidates--and we’re making headway

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Onward thru the fog

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you are a rational person living in the Free State of Florida, but there are plenty of smart, reasonable people just like you here. The purpose of this newsletter and the Tropic Press website is to provide a source of news and commentary that shines a light through this irrational fog.

Thank you for your support as a subscriber. It is invaluable. This is especially so for those of you who have chosen to upgrade to paid subscriptions. Your contributions are making this possible.

J.C. Bruce

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