Racist Text Targets Jon Maples in Florida HD-87 Race

A racist text message targeting Republican Jon Maples in the House District 87 special election has drawn sharp condemnation from House Speaker-designate Sam Garrison, who called the mailer among the most offensive campaign tactics he has seen in Florida politics.

Garrison described the message as a “13 on a scale of 10” for disgusting campaigning, according to Florida Politics. The text, funded by Lift-Off Florida, used an altered image of Maples and pushed unproven claims about his residency while including false statements about his tax votes. Garrison alleged the message was sent with the “tacit knowledge” of Democrat Emily Gregory’s campaign, a charge that puts Gregory in an uncomfortable position heading into the final stretch of the race.

Maples, who holds a fundraising advantage in the contest and carries President Donald Trump’s endorsement, called the text “offensive” but struck a measured tone, saying he would “be the light in dark places.” The special election was triggered by the resignation of former Rep. Mike Caruso.

Records show that Blue Velocity Consulting has ties to both Gregory and incoming Democratic Leader Christine Hunschofsky, deepening questions about how closely coordinated the outside spending effort was with the Democratic operation in the district. Lift-Off Florida has not publicly addressed the controversy.

The episode puts Democratic leaders in Tallahassee in a difficult spot. Garrison’s public condemnation raises the stakes for Gregory’s team to either distance itself from the group or face sustained criticism from Republicans who will use the mailer as a campaign weapon. So far, no prominent Democrats have issued a formal rebuke of the messaging.

On a lighter note in Florida political circles, Tampa Electric announced this week that former state Representative Edwin “Ed” Narain has joined the company as director of Regional Affairs. Narain brings a well-rounded resume to the utility, with experience that spans law, business, nonprofit leadership and state legislative service.

Narain served in the Florida House from 2014 to 2016, where he chaired the Florida Legislative Black Caucus and focused on economic development and innovation policy. After leaving the Legislature, he moved into the private sector, most recently serving as vice president of External and Legislative Affairs for AT&T, where he managed public policy strategy and stakeholder outreach across the region.

His civic footprint in the Tampa Bay area runs deep. Narain has chaired the Tampa Bay Chamber, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay, and the Saint Leo University Board of Trustees, a list that reflects the kind of relationships Tampa Electric is clearly hoping to activate as it expands regional partnerships.

Stephanie Smith, vice president of government affairs at Tampa Electric, pointed to that relationship capital directly. “Ed brings an extraordinary depth of experience in public policy, community leadership and stakeholder engagement,” Smith said. “His strong relationships throughout the region and proven ability to build partnerships will be a tremendous asset.”

Narain expressed enthusiasm for the new role. “I’m excited to join Tampa Electric and continue working with community leaders across the region,” he said. “I look forward to helping strengthen those partnerships.”

For a utility navigating an increasingly complex policy environment, adding someone with Narain’s legislative background and community credibility is a strategic hire. Tampa Electric serves one of Florida’s fastest-growing metro areas, and managing relationships with local governments and business groups requires more than technical expertise.

Back in Tallahassee, the HD 87 race continues to draw attention as a test of how competitive Democrats can be in districts where Trump’s coalition remains strong. The race-baiting text may actually harden Republican turnout in Maples’ favor, giving Garrison’s team added motivation to keep the story alive through Election Day.

Whether Gregory can survive the controversy without a clear break from the groups tied to the mailer will say something about the state of Democratic Party discipline heading into a cycle where every seat in the Florida House carries significant weight for the future of the caucus.