Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 9.30.26 — Burnin’ today: Cantor, Chapek & DeSantis, Donalds & Jolly, Moody & Nixon, Jack Smith, OpenAI & Kim K.

Florida politics heats up with elections, power plays and surprises. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

From: Extensive Media Enterprises

Good Wednesday morning.

Former U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor is PhRMA’s pick for its next president and CEO.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America announced Tuesday that Cantor, who represented the Richmond, Va., area during his time in Congress, will take the helm on Nov. 9.

Cantor succeeds longtime leader Stephen Ubl, who will stay on as a strategic adviser through Jan. 15 as part of the transition.

Eric Cantor trades Capitol Hill for the pharmaceutical world as PhRMA’s next CEO.

Cantor, a Republican, served in the U.S. House until 2014 and was Majority Leader from 2011 to 2014. On the healthcare front, PhRMA touted his work on the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act, Medicare Part D and legislation that eventually became the 21st Century Cures Act.

“Eric is well respected among policy leaders in Washington and around the world, with a long track record of working effectively across the political spectrum to achieve important outcomes that have a lasting impact,” said Merck Chair and CEO Rob Davis, who also chairs the PhRMA Board of Directors.

“Eric’s unique combination of global business acumen coupled with policy and political experience at the highest levels of government makes him an ideal person to lead PhRMA during this critical next chapter.”

Cantor added, “I’m honored to join in the industry’s efforts to expand patient access, leverage the promise of AI to speed discovery, and be a champion for the hundreds of thousands of Americans working in the biopharmaceutical industry whose science improves, extends, and saves lives.”

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“Kelly Kirschner would like someone to buy him a competitive campaign” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — For most candidates, asking Washington for a political bailout is a closed-door conversation. Not for Kirschner; he’s taken an entirely different approach by publishing an instruction manual. Kirschner’s campaign website supporting his bid for Florida’s 16th Congressional District remarkably details the type of advertising he wants someone else to pay for, including what to say, where to say it, whom to reach, and when to start. Apparently, the only part of this master plan left to the professionals is finding the money. There are any number of problems with this strategy. It smacks of desperation, ignores political reality and advertises the quiet part — that Kirschner is a long shot — way too loudly.

Kelly Kirschner has a campaign plan. Now comes the small matter of paying for it.

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Bringing top pediatric cancer care closer to home — Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is highlighting Florida’s effort to ensure families can access advanced pediatric cancer care without leaving the state. Last year, Florida invested $30 million through the Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator to strengthen cancer programs at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and Wolfson Children’s Hospital. The four specialty children’s hospitals are using that momentum to recruit specialists, expand clinical trials and advanced treatments, strengthen research and develop facilities designed specifically for children. Through the Pediatric Cancer Alliance, their teams are collaborating to build nationally recognized programs and bring world-class care closer to home.

  Situational awareness  

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  Days until  

General Election domestic ballot send deadline — 1; ‘Digger,’ with Tom Cruise, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, premieres — 2; General Election voter registration deadline — 5; ‘The Social Reckoning,' with Jeremy Strong, Jeremy Allen White and Mikey Madison, premieres — 9; Associated Industries of Florida one-on-one conversations with five top-of-ticket Republicans — 12; 'VisionQuest' premieres — 14; 'The Diplomat' season 4 premieres — 15; Optional General early voting begins — 19; 'Six Kings Slam' on Netflix — 21; Florida TaxWatch Fiscal Accountability Leadership Summit begins — 21; General Election ballot request deadline — 22; Mandatory General early voting begins — 24; General Election — 34; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 37; ‘Wild Horse Nine’ premieres — 37; Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 42; 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol' starring Johnny Depp premieres — 44; 'Paper Tiger' starring Adam Driver premieres — 44; Joe Biden’s memoir, ‘Promise Me, America’ is released — 48; New legislator training sessions — 48; Senate convenes for general organization and selection of officers — 48; ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 51; ‘The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth,’ with Brad Pitt, directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino, premieres — 56; ‘Madden’ premieres — 57; Committee Week #1 — 61; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 79; ‘Dune: Part 3,’ directed by Denis Villeneuve, premieres — 79; Committee Week #2 — 96; Committee Week #3 — 103; 'Ahsoka' season 2 premieres — 112; College Football Playoff national championship game in Las Vegas — 117; Committee Week #4 — 124; Grammys — 130; Committee Week #5 — 131; 'Remain,' directed by M. Night Shyamalan, premieres — 137; Super Bowl LXI — 137; Committee Week #6 — 138; Opening day of the 2027 Regular Legislative Session — 153; Tampa Mayoral Election — 153; ‘The Thomas Crown Affair,’ directed by and starring Michael B. Jordan premieres — 156; Oscars — 165; Jacksonville First Election — 174; Miami Marlins Opening Day/Home Opener — vs. New York Mets — 176; Tampa Bay Rays Opening Day/Home Opener — vs. Baltimore Orioles — 176; Democratic Mayors Association 2027 annual summit in Miami begins — 196; Jacksonville General Election — 230; 'Star Wars: Starfighter' premieres — 240; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 248; Citrus Series — Tampa Bay Rays at Miami Marlins — 289; 'The Bluey Movie' premieres — 310; ‘Miami Vice’ reboot premieres — 310; Citrus Series — Miami Marlins at Tampa Bay Rays — 345; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 443; 2028 South Carolina Presidential Primary — 479; College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans — 481; 2028 Nevada Presidential Primary — 489; 2028 New Hampshire Presidential Primary — 496; 2028 New Mexico Presidential Primary — 503; ‘The Batman Part II’ premieres — 506; 2028 Michigan Presidential Primary — 510; 2028 Virginia Presidential Primary — 517; Oscars — 522; 'X-Men' premieres — 583; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 604; 'Days of Thunder' sequel with Cruise and Anne Hathaway premieres — 611; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 625; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 653; 'Ghost Rider' premieres — 667; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 769; ‘Black Panther 3’ directed by Ryan Coogler premieres — 807; College Football Playoff national championship game in Tampa — 845; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,169; College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami — 1,209; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 1,900.

  Top story  

“Bob Chapek unloads on Ron DeSantis, Bob Iger over Disney fight” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Former Disney CEO Chapek offers his account of the company’s political fight with Gov. DeSantis, portraying himself as caught between pressure from the Governor and his predecessor, Iger. In “Behind the Castle Walls,” Chapek recalls a relationship with DeSantis that began before collapsing over Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act.

Chapek says he initially resisted taking a position on the 2022 legislation, believing Disney could support inclusion without entering a fight. He writes that the bill divided families and the LGBTQ community while becoming another flashpoint in the culture wars.

Bob Chapek revisits Disney’s political roller coaster with Ron DeSantis and Bob Iger.

Iger complicated that strategy, Chapek writes. Although no longer CEO, Iger criticized the legislation while Disney’s leadership debated its response. Chapek says Iger’s intervention made negotiations with lawmakers harder and intensified pressure from Disney employees.

Chapek eventually apologized for Disney’s response and pledged support for equal rights. DeSantis and allies escalated their criticism, with the Governor labeling Disney a “woke corporation” as the dispute shifted from rhetoric to the company’s governmental arrangement in Central Florida.

DeSantis then moved against the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which had governed Disney World’s property since 1967. Chapek characterizes the move as punishment and opportunism, writing that he believed DeSantis’ ambitions helped drive a dispute about culture and power.

Chapek also reserves criticism for Iger, accusing his predecessor of undermining him before retreating from the fight. Disney ultimately spent tens of millions of dollars on litigation, Chapek writes, while suffering damage. By late 2022, Chapek was out, and Iger was back as Disney’s CEO.

  2026  

“Byron Donalds, David Jolly offer Florida two very different road maps” via Michael Van Sickler of the Tampa Bay Times — Florida voters face different choices for Governor, with Republican U.S. Rep. Donalds and Democrat Jolly offering competing approaches across education, healthcare, growth and state power. Donalds wants to expand school choice, continue state DOGE audits, increase healthcare price transparency and maintain Florida’s immigration enforcement partnerships with federal authorities. Jolly favors greater oversight of private schools receiving public money, expanded public education and healthcare investment, and the restoration of more authority to local governments. Their differences extend to data centers and the State Guard: Donalds supports both with restrictions and oversight, while Jolly proposes pausing large data center construction and eliminating the Guard. On property insurance, Jolly proposes a state catastrophe fund; Donalds favors transparency, tort reforms and an insurer scorecard.

David Jolly and Byron Donalds offer Florida voters two very different road maps to the Governor’s Mansion.

“Donalds turns Jolly’s old words against him” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Donalds is sharpening his General Election argument against Jolly with “Convenience,” a 60-second ad portraying the former Republican Congressman as repeatedly shifting positions. The spot stitches together Jolly’s comments across different political eras on President Donald Trump, guns, immigration, abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, arguing his evolution reflects political expediency. Jolly counters that his views changed gradually, pointing to experiences involving reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ issues while maintaining support for the Second Amendment alongside tighter gun restrictions. With no debate between the gubernatorial nominees, advertising will carry added weight. Donalds’ substantial fundraising advantage gives his campaign more resources to define Jolly through his own words, while Jolly plans to remain on television through Election Day.

“Donalds takes the heat at contentious FAMU town hall” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Donalds faced a skeptical and frequently disruptive crowd during a town hall at Florida A&M University, where the Republican gubernatorial candidate once attended college. Donalds abandoned pre-selected questions and invited students to challenge him directly on race, education, criminal justice and his relationship with Trump. He defended the Stop WOKE Act while opposing critical race theory for minors and backed Florida’s decision to remove Flock cameras. Students also questioned Donalds about his past criminal charges and support for tougher crime legislation. Donalds said Florida law should continue to give people opportunities to rebuild their lives after fulfilling their legal obligations. The contentious event ended abruptly when a fire alarm forced everyone out of the room.

Happening today — Donalds and Attorney General James Uthmeier bring the Defending the Florida Dream Tour to Ralphie’s Fish Camp, 470 Marina Drive in Port St. Joe. The event begins at 2 p.m. Eastern.

"Ashley Moody says 'way-too-close' polls show Republicans can't take Florida for granted" via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Prognosticators still see U.S. Sen. Moody on a glide path toward Election Day. But the Republican doesn't want anyone taking the Florida race for granted. In an interview with Fox News Radio, the Plant City Republican told host Guy Benson that the Senate is clearly in play. "Right now, we are seeing way-too-close-for-comfort polls in many Republican Senate races around the country," she said. "But in Florida, you have a race with two people who could not be more different — not only in the positions they take, but in their backgrounds and what they bring to this office — than myself and my opponent, Angie Nixon."

Ashley Moody and Angie Nixon head down the homestretch in Florida’s U.S. Senate race.

“Amendment 3 calculator puts a price tag on property tax cuts” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — A new Florida Policy Institute calculator estimates how much local governments could lose if voters approve Amendment 3, which would expand homestead exemptions beginning in 2027. The group, which opposes the measure, estimates that Orange County governments and special districts would lose $825 million over two years, including funding for the Sheriff’s Office, fire rescue, and EMS. Seminole County losses are projected at $283 million. The calculator doesn’t estimate homeowners’ savings. A separate tool estimates an Orange County home assessed at $400,000 could save $1,096 in 2027 and $2,192 in 2028 on non-school taxes. Amendment 3 requires 60% voter approval.

“Blaise Ingoglia puts millions behind statewide public service campaign,” via Jason Garcia of Seeking Rents — Florida Chief Financial Officer Ingoglia’s agency has spent more than $3.7 million in taxpayer money on public service advertising while he is campaigning for a full term. Department of Financial Services spots focus on hurricane preparedness, unclaimed property, and senior fraud, with some hurricane ads naming Ingoglia. A spokesperson for Ingoglia said the hurricane campaign coincides with peak storm season, when most Atlantic activity occurs. Records show three Tallahassee firms received the DFS work, with more than $2.3 million spent during the past three weeks. Ingoglia faces Democrat Annette Taddeo in November. The spending and timing are drawing attention as the General Election approaches.

  More elections  

"Darren Soto showcases bipartisan support in 6-figure ad buy" via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — A new ad from Soto makes a direct play for Republican voters considering supporting the Kissimmee Democrat. A 30-second spot features Kim K., a Vero Beach voter and self-described conservative, explaining why she's crossing the aisle to support Soto. Then she turns her frustrations toward Dan Green, the Republican nominee endorsed by Trump. "Listen, I'm a conservative and a Republican, but we need a different approach," Kim K. says in the ad. "Darren Soto gets practical things done. I'm voting for him for Congress." A new congressional map forced Soto to run this cycle in a District where more than 58% of voters supported Trump for President in 2024.

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