UF Political Science Professor Dan Smith was awarded the Career Achievement Award by the State Politics & Policy Section of the APSA for 2026. The award recognizes a political scientist who has made a significant lifetime contribution to the study of politics and policy in the American states.
Ansley Tuten Mendelson (MA PC 15) was recognized as one of the American Association of Political Consultants’ “40 Under 40,” an award honoring rising leaders across the political profession, including media, advertising, polling, and public affairs. Recipients are selected for their impact in the field and commitment to the organization’s code of ethics, and were […]
Jonathan Ramsey (MA PC 2009) has been appointed to the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court. Previously serving as an Alachua County judge, Ramsey was elevated by Governor Ron DeSantis to fill a circuit court vacancy, marking a significant step in his judicial career.
A February 2026 Miami Herald article on Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race cites Sharon Wright Austin, who notes that race remains a significant factor in voter behavior. She suggests that candidates may face limits in expanding their support across racial groups, highlighting the continued importance of racial dynamics in statewide elections.
Read more "UF Poli Sci Professor Sharon Austin discusses Donald’s Campaign"
Congratulations to UF Political Science doctoral student Maxwell Clarke and UF Professors Michael P. McDonald and Dan Smith on the publication of their research, “Florida’s Democracy Deserts: Patterns of Contestation and Cancellation of Florida Local Elections” in the Election Law Journal. This study of local elections across Florida finds that some communities go years or even decades […]
On December 12, 2025, the UF Political Campaigning program made a strong showing at the University of Florida Community Relations EyeOpener Luncheon, with students Ryan Lang-Antonopoulos and Parker Robinson joining faculty members Professors Robbins and Austin for the occasion. The luncheon brought together members of the Florida Legislative Delegation representing the Gainesville and Alachua County […]
Read more "Political Campaigning Program Attends UF EyeOpener Luncheon (Dec. 2025)"
UF Political Campaigning is proud to recognize two outstanding students whose work exemplifies the values at the heart of this program. The Walter Skip Campbell Award honors the memory of Walter Skip Campbell, a UF alumnus (BA 1970, JD 1973) who served in the Florida Senate from 1996 to 2002 and later as Mayor of […]
Read more "Award Recipients Honored for Campaign Excellence and Independent Spirit, Spring 2025"
On April 15-16, ten of our political campaigners journeyed west to Tallahassee for our very own “Gator Day”. We met with alumni at a reception the evening before. The next day was filled with shadowing members of the House and Senate and attending committee meetings. We also met with Nikki Friend, campaigning alum at the […]
On February 4, 2025 we had the Forum ‘2024 & Beyond: Insights and the Future of Campaigning’ and here’s some pictures