Monday, July 06, 2026

St. Johns County Commissioners charged in fake endorsement scheme. (A.G. Gancarski, Florida Politics, July 6, 2026)

From Florida Politics:

St. Johns County Commissioners charged in fake endorsement scheme. 

A.G. Gancarski, Florida Politics, July 6, 2026

A local Commissioner was also charged, along with operatives. 

Counterfeit endorsements that raised the hackles of St. Johns County Republicans in August 2024 have led to criminal charges in 2026.

Two of those named in the indictment serve on the County Commission, and a third principal serves on a local Commission in the county.

Commissioners Sarah Arnold and Christian Whitehurst are being charged with conspiracy to create an unauthorized voter guide, allegedly in violation of Florida Statutes 106.1436 and 777.04.

The voter guide charge amounts to a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or by a fine of not less than $25 for each voter guide distributed up to $2,500 in a given month.

The conspiracy charge is a second-degree misdemeanor if the parties are found guilty as charged.

Additionally, they are charged with representing the voter guide they created as representing the will of the St. Johns Republican Executive Committee.

If found guilty, they will be considered principals in the first degree.

Others charged include political consultant Briana Jordan, Jamie Lynn Johnson, and St. Augustine Beach Commissioner Dylan Rumrell,

Jordan is also singled out on a count of tampering with evidence, an alleged violation of Statute 918.13, which would be a third-degree felony if she is found guilty.

Spokespeople for the legal team representing the elected officials commented Monday evening.

These allegations have lingered for nearly two years in the hands of various government agencies. With formal charges now filed, County Commissioner Arnold, County Commissioner Whitehurst and St. Augustine Beach City Commissioner Rumrell look forward to the conclusion of this matter and will have no further comments at this time,” Bachman Galnor Communications said.

Rumrell ran unopposed in 2024 and would not have to run again until 2028. Whitehurst defeated a candidate endorsed by the party and, for now, is in office until 2028. Arnold, an appointee of Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2021, was not on the ballot, and she is not running for re-election this year.

Politicians facing criminal charges are often suspended from office pending the outcome of the investigation at the Governor’s discretion. We have reached out to the Governor’s press team for comment.

Ann-Marie Evans, who lost to Whitehurst in 2024, said she was “appalled” and “shocked” and blamed the falsified mailer for her narrow loss to Whitehurst in comments she made to First Coast News two years ago.

The fake guide appropriated the party’s branding and styling but endorsed different candidates.

The real endorsees included Congressional candidate Mara Macie, state Senate candidate Gerry James, current state legislator Kim Kendall (who won despite the ruse), Commission candidate Evans and victorious Commissioners Clay Murphyand Ann Taylor. School Board candidate Francis Cummings, who lost, and Dr. Linda Thomson, who won, rounded out the slate.

The fake picks included state Sen. Tom Leek, unsuccessful state House candidates Darryl Boyer and Nick Primrose, failed Sheriff candidate Jim Priester, county clerk Brandon Patty, Whitehurst, defeated County Commissioners Roy Alaimo and Henry Dean, failed School Board candidate Lynn Straughan, and Republican state committeewoman Tamara Renaurt.

Republican Party of Florida Chair Evan Power was pleased that charges were finally filed, saying the party takes its branding seriously and that the state election crimes unit had handled the case.

St. John’s County GOP Chair Denver Cook is traveling with his family and will offer comment as soon as he is able. But his comments to ABC News from 2024 will do until we get a formal response.

“I was in shock. I’m dealing with one of probably the most flagrant frauds on voters — the day before early voting. It became an instant train wreck.”

The case is being handled in the 8th Circuit, which is based in Gainesville. St. Johns County is in the 7th Circuit, and that office recused itself, as did the 4th Circuit, which is centered around Jacksonville.



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Three St. Johns County elected officials charged in alleged election fraud scheme (Ben Becker, Action News Jax, July 6, 2026)

From Action News Jax:

LOCAL

Three St. Johns County elected officials charged in alleged election fraud scheme

By Ben Becker, Action News Jax

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Three elected officials in St. Johns County face criminal charges in connection to alleged election fraud involving the distribution of fake voter guides during the 2024 election cycle.

Action News Jax Ben Becker has learned that St. Johns County Commissioners Sarah Arnold and Christian Whitehurst, along with St. Augustine Beach Commissioner Dylan Rumrell, have each been charged with misdemeanor offenses related to the mailing of tens of thousands of voter guides. According to the charging documents, on or about August 1, 2024 through August 15, 2024, investigators say they were involved with voter guides that “falsely represented itself as an official publication of the St. Johns County Republican Executive Committee” that included incorrect candidate endorsements.

Political consultant Brianna Jordan is facing the only felony charges in the case, including tampering with physical evidence, conspiracy, and the unauthorized voter guide.

Two additional defendants, Jamie Johnson and Garrett Davis, are also facing misdemeanor charges connected to the investigation.

State Rep. Kim Kendall, who was a candidate during the election and considers herself a victim in the case, said the allegations go beyond partisan politics.

“This is something that crosses party lines. If we don’t have election integrity, then we have nothing,” Kendall told Becker.

Arnold, Whitehurst and Rumrell are being represent by the Bedell law firm, where noted criminal defense attorney Hank Coxe is the director. In a statement, it said, “These allegations have lingered for nearly two years in the hands of various government agencies. With formal charges now filed, County Commissioner Arnold, County Commissioner Whitehurst and St. Augustine Beach City Commissioner Rumrell look forward to the conclusion of this matter and will have no further comments at this time.”

The case is being prosecuted by the 8th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office in Gainesville. Sources familiar with the matter tell Becker that both the 4th and 7th Judicial Circuits recused themselves from the case. Despite the change in prosecutors, the arrest warrant was issued in St. Johns County.

It’s unknown right now when Jordan will turn herself in or when the others, including Arnold, Whitehurst and Rumrell, will make their first appearances.



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Federal Disclosure Details DANIEL ANTHONY PEREZ’s Outside Legal Work Ahead of Senate Confirmation (Albert Roguez Editor, The Florida Pundit, July 6, 2026)

Daniel Perez (politician)

Florida laws preempt your local governments from regulating AirBnbs. 

What roles did Representative DANIEL ANTHONY PEREZ, the Florida Speaker of the House and outgoing Florida Speaker of the House, 2024-2026, have in AirBnb preemption laws and related "granny flat" laws?   

Local St. Augustine and St. Johns County residents blocked from zoning law testimony or public comment due to AirBnb preemption laws should report their concerns to the FBI, FDLE and DOJ, offer to testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the nomination of DANIEL ANTHONY PEREZ to be U.S. Ambassador to Brazil.

Read article from The Floridas Pundit:

 was DF Florida  House Speaker Daniel Perez, whose federal financial disclosure is under review as part of his Senate confirmation process for U.S. ambassador to Brazil. Photo: Florida House of Representatives. 
INVESTIGATIONS
3 min.Read

Federal Disclosure Details Daniel Perez’s Outside Legal Work Ahead of Senate Confirmation

Albert Roguez
ByAlbert Roguez

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez’s nomination to become U.S. ambassador to Brazil is drawing renewed attention to his federally required financial disclosure, which provides a detailed public accounting of his outside legal work, private clients and ethics commitments before the U.S. Senate considers his confirmation.

President Donald Trump nominated Perez to serve as ambassador to Brazil, one of the administration’s key diplomatic appointments in Latin America. Like all ambassadorial nominees, Perez is required to file financial and ethics disclosures so federal officials can evaluate potential conflicts of interest before assuming office.

The disclosure reports approximately $1.1 million in outside legal income during the reporting period and identifies several private clients as part of the federally required ethics review. The filing itself does not establish wrongdoing, and financial disclosures are a routine component of the federal confirmation process.

Among the organizations identified in the disclosure are Airbnb, Newsmax, and CDR Maguire. The filing lists those clients but does not describe the specific legal services Perez provided or indicate whether any of his work involved matters before the Florida Legislature.

One of the companies listed in the disclosure, Airbnb, operates in an industry that had an interest in housing legislation considered during Florida’s 2026 Legislative Session involving accessory dwelling units (ADUs), commonly known as “granny flats.” House Bill 313 proposed expanding property owners’ ability to construct ADUs under certain circumstances but ultimately did not become law.

Federal ethics disclosures routinely identify outside income, assets, liabilities and certain client relationships so government ethics officials can review potential conflicts before nominees assume public office. The filings are intended to promote transparency and public confidence in the confirmation process.

As part of his ethics filing, Perez also submitted an ethics agreement outlining steps he would take if confirmed. The agreement includes commitments regarding recusals from matters involving former clients, termination of his private legal practice and compliance with federal ethics requirements.

Perez has publicly stated that his legal work involved private transactions and that he declined any representation that could create ethical concerns. He has also noted that Florida operates under a citizen legislature, where many lawmakers continue outside employment while serving in office.

Perez’s nomination comes after a two-year tenure as Speaker of the Florida House marked by debates over tax policy, housing, immigration, and disagreements within Florida’s Republican leadership. If confirmed by the Senate, Perez would leave state government to serve as the chief U.S. diplomatic representative to Brazil.

What Is a Federal Financial Disclosure?

Federal nominees for ambassadorial positions are required to disclose income, assets, liabilities, outside employment and certain client relationships. These disclosures allow ethics officials to identify and resolve potential conflicts of interest before nominees assume office. A financial disclosure is not a finding of wrongdoing or evidence of misconduct.

What Happens Next

The U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations has not yet scheduled a confirmation hearing for Perez’s nomination. If confirmed, he has agreed to resign from his private legal practice, terminate relationships with his current clients and comply with the ethics commitments outlined in his federal disclosure before assuming the role of U.S. ambassador to Brazil.

Until then, Perez’s financial disclosure will remain part of the public record reviewed during the Senate confirmation process as senators evaluate his nomination.

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DANIEL ANTHONY PEREZ, b. June 22, 1987 (Wikipedia)

From Wikipedia:


Daniel Perez (politician)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Daniel Perez
United States Ambassador to Brazil
Nominee
Assuming office
TBD
PresidentDonald Trump
SucceedingElizabeth Bagley
104th Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives
Incumbent
Assumed office
November 19, 2024
Preceded byPaul Renner
Member of the Florida House of Representatives
from the 116th district
Incumbent
Assumed office
November 6, 2018
Preceded byJose Felix Diaz
Personal details
BornDaniel Anthony Perez
June 22, 1987 (age 39)
New York City, New York, U.S.
PartyRepublican
SpouseStephanie Perez
Children3
EducationFlorida State University (BA)
Loyola University New Orleans(JD)
WebsiteOfficial website

Daniel Anthony Perez (born June 22, 1987) is a Republicanmember of the Florida House of Representatives representing the state's 116th House district, which includes part of Miami-Dade County.

Florida House of Representatives

Perez defeated Jose Mallea in a special Republican primary held on July 25, 2017, winning 54.8% of the vote.[1] In the September 26, 2017 special general election, Perez won 65.8% of the vote, defeating Democrat Gabriela Mayaudon.[2]

Seeking election to his first full term in 2018, Perez defeated Frank Polo in the August 28, 2018 Republican primary, winning 80.5% of the vote.[3] In the November 6, 2018 general election, Perez won 57.32% of the vote, defeating Democrat James Harden.[4]

In 2022, Perez defended Republican efforts to add elaborate requirements for voters to vote by mail. These included forcing voters to put their double-enveloped ballots inside a third envelope and to mark the last four letters of their identity numbers. Election officials characterized the requirements as a "recipe for disaster" while voting rights advocates characterized the efforts as voter suppression. Perez defended the measures, saying "the process is actually going to be simpler... and at the same time it would be safer."[5]

In September 2023, Perez was nominated Speaker-designateof the Florida House of Representatives by his caucus. After the 2024 elections, he succeeded Paul Renner as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.[6]

Perez's term as House speaker was marked by a political feud with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.[7][8][9][10][11] DeSantis wielded extraordinary power as governor;[12][13]Perez stated that his goal was for the Legislature to be "a coequal branch of government."[14] DeSantis accused Perez of following a personal agenda,[15]while Perez accused DeSantis of cronyism.[16] The House under Perez leadership overrode Desantis's veto on funding for legislative operations, reporting that "this veto was at best a misunderstanding of the importance of the appropriation, or, at worst, an attempt to threaten the independence of our separate branch of government."[17]

In January 2025, Perez, alongside other Floridian Republicans including Florida Senate President Ben Albritton, helped to bring down an attempt by DeSantis to call a special session on the topic of illegal immigration. Perez claimed that the call for a special session should "... be used sparingly and not be stunts used to generate headlines.", as well as calling the governor's proposals "bureaucratic".[18] As a replacement, Perez and other Republican state legislators have pushed through and passed the "Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy Act" (TRUMP Act) which DeSantis has criticized for being "substantially weaker" than what he had pushed for and threatened to veto the bill.[19][20][21]

Perez has also effectively blocked DeSantis's policy proposals for property-tax cuts,[22][23] state regulation of artificial intelligence,[24] and conscience-based exemptions for childhood vaccine mandates in schools.[25]Additionally, in early 2025, Perez briefly launched an investigation into Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis'sHope Florida for money laundering and wire fraud.[26][27] However, in April 2026, Perez helped DeSantis in redistricting Florida's congressional map for the 2026 U.S. House midterm elections, approving a new map which gave Republicans 4 more seats.[28][29]

Partly due to the political feud between a Perez-allied House and a DeSantis-allied Senate, the Legislature was unable to pass a state budget two years in a row, in 2025 and 2026, during regular session, forcing the Senate to reject some of DeSantis's initiatives to reach a compromise and avoid a government shutdown.[30][31]

In September 2025, it was reported that President Donald Trump's political team supported the idea for Perez to run for the office of the Attorney General of Florida in 2026 against incumbent Attorney General James Uthmeier, an ally of Governor DeSantis.[32] Perez would go on to not run for Attorney General, continuing to serve as speaker for the remainder of DeSantis's term.[11]

In 2026, Perez made farewell speeches for his time as House Speaker, praising the chamber's ability to remain independent and stand their ground against the executive. Perez thanked his political mentors in the House and President Trump, and notably left out DeSantis allies and the governor.[33] Perez stated:

Despite what some have suggested, I never intended for conflict to define my tenure as Speaker. But I have always believed that peace without purpose is laziness. Our goal has been to leave this House of Representatives better than we found it. And we can end this term content that we have achieved at least that much.[34]

United States Ambassador to Brazil nomination

On June 1, 2026, President Donald Trump nominated Perez to serve as the United States ambassador to Brazil.[35]

Personal life

Perez is a Catholic.[36] He is also a first generation son of Cuban immigrants.[6]

References

  1.  "Florida Department of State - Election Results". Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  2.  "Florida Department of State - Election Results". Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  3.  "Florida Department of State - Election Results". Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  4.  "Florida Election Watch - State Representative". Archived from the original on November 30, 2018. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  5.  Kam, Dara (February 18, 2022). "Vote-by-mail changes would add envelopes and ID numbers". Florida Courier. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  6.  "'A win for the 305': Miami Rep. Daniel Perez poised to become next Florida Speaker". NBC 6 South Florida. September 18, 2023. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  7.  Fineout, Gary (June 4, 2025). "Inside Ron DeSantis' tough year in Florida". Politico. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  8.  Fineout, Gary (April 19, 2025). "Ron DeSantis finds a new political rival much closer to home". Politico. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  9.  Fineout, Gary (June 17, 2025). "Florida's GOP skirmish has been dominated by lawmakers. It's DeSantis' turn now". Politico. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  10.  Gancarski, A. G. (April 3, 2025). "Daniel Perez describes Ron DeSantis as 'emotional and upset,' but says relationship has been 'cordial'". Florida Politics. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  11.  Ogles, Jacob (December 31, 2025). "Florida Politics' 2025 Politician of the Year: Daniel Perez". Florida Politics. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  12.  Mazzei, Patricia (May 24, 2025). "How Ron DeSantis Maximized the Power of the Florida Governor's Office". The New York Times. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  13.  Craig, Tim; Rozsa, Lori (April 18, 2023). "How DeSantis became Florida's most powerful governor in a generation". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  14.  Mazzei, Patricia (June 17, 2026). "Florida's House Speaker Stood Up to DeSantis, and Shifted the Power Dynamics". The New York Times. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  15.  Perry, Mitch (March 14, 2026). "DeSantis (again) slams House Speaker Perez, claims he has 'a personal agenda' • Florida Phoenix". Florida Phoenix. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  16.  Gancarski, A. G. (February 1, 2025). "Daniel Perez says Ron DeSantis wants power, headlines in immigration fight". Florida Politics. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  17.  Gancarski, A.G. (January 27, 2025). "Legislature restores $56M+ in support services vetoed by Gov. DeSantis". Florida Politics. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  18.  "Republican Lawmakers in Florida Rebel Against DeSantis in Rare Power Move". New York Times. January 27, 2025. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  19.  Gancarski, A.G. (January 27, 2025). "Gov. DeSantis accuses Legislature of 'theatrics' and 'messaging bills' amid Special Session split". Florida Politics. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  20.  Russon, Gabrielle (January 28, 2026). "Legislature passes TRUMP Act immigration bill that clashed with Ron DeSantis". Florida Politics. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  21.  Russon, Gabrielle (January 29, 2025). "Ron DeSantis threatens to veto bill, slams Republicans for being weak on immigration". Florida Politics. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  22.  Rohrer, Gray; Goñi-Lessan, Ana (May 15, 2026). "DeSantis lashes out at Speaker Daniel Perez as House resists his budget priorities". Miami Herald. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  23.  "Florida House speaker Perez slams DeSantis' $1,000 homeowner checks plan as "irresponsible" - CBS Miami". CBS News. May 14, 2026. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  24.  Dixon, Matt (April 28, 2026). "Republicans in Florida again block Ron DeSantis' push to regulate AI". NBC News. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  25.  Gancarski, A. G. (March 14, 2026). "Ron DeSantis rips Daniel Perez for obstructing his priorities". Florida Politics. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  26.  Bridges, C. A.; Rohrer, Gray; Little, Jim (May 21, 2025). "What is Hope Florida? Why Casey DeSantis-connected charity is reportedly under investigation". Tallahassee Democrat. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  27.  "State House halts investigation into Hope Florida, Casey DeSantis-linked foundation, amid lack of cooperation - CBS Miami". CBS News. April 25, 2025. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  28.  Fineout, Gary (August 7, 2025). "Florida moves toward joining national redistricting push". Politico. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  29.  Perry, Mitch (April 29, 2026). "Florida House approves DeSantis' congressional redistricting map • Florida Phoenix". Florida Phoenix. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  30.  Rohrer, Gray (June 17, 2025). "Florida lawmakers pass $115B budget, ending weeks-long standoff". Tallahassee Democrat. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  31.  Russon, Gabrielle (May 29, 2026). "Legislature passes $114.5B budget after delays". Florida Politics. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  32.  Ogles, Jacob (September 5, 2023). "White House officials urge Daniel Perez to run for Attorney General post". Florida Politics. Retrieved January 16, 2026.
  33.  Russon, Gabrielle (March 12, 2026). "Daniel Perez says goodbye to the Florida House". Florida Politics. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  34.  Scheckner, Jesse (June 2, 2026). "'We stood our ground': Daniel Perez bids farewell to House, highlights chamber's independent streak". Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  35.  Leonard, Kimberly (June 1, 2026). "Trump nominates Florida GOP Speaker Daniel Perez to be ambassador to Brazil". Politico. Retrieved June 7, 2026.
  36.  "Daniel Perez". Florida House of Representatives. Retrieved January 16, 2026.


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