Tallahassee Commissioner Disbands Political Committee After Election

Local politics scene representing the dynamics of Tallahassee's elections.

News Summary

City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow has officially disbanded his political committee, One Tallahassee, shortly after the disappointing election results of 2024. The committee, aimed at supporting Commissioner Jack Porter and challenging Curtis Richardson, raised over $361,000, with a significant portion coming from out-of-state donors. Despite efforts and substantial spending leading up to the elections, the outcomes did not favor Matlow’s ambitions for a new majority on the City Commission. The closure of the PAC raises questions about the future of local politics in Tallahassee.

Tallahassee Commissioner Wraps Up Political Committee After Election Battle

In the vibrant city of Tallahassee, excitement and tension buzzed as City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow made waves with his political committee, One Tallahassee. This committee was born out of a desire to support fellow Commissioner Jack Porter and present a challenge to City Commissioner Curtis Richardson just ahead of the highly anticipated 2024 elections. Launched in April 2024, the PAC aimed to shift the dynamics of the City Commission, a hot topic for local residents.

The Rise and Fall of One Tallahassee

Fast forward to November 26, 2024, and things took a sharp turn when Matlow officially disbanded the PAC, just weeks after the election results rolled in. The closure was promptly communicated to the Florida Division of Elections through an email. The brief existence of One Tallahassee marks a significant chapter in Tallahassee’s political scene, raising eyebrows and highlighting the fierce battleground that local elections often turn into.

Funding the Fight

Throughout its short life, One Tallahassee amassed an impressive $361,290. However, what’s just as intriguing is that a whopping 75% of those funds came from out-of-state donors. It’s clear that this was not just a local affair. A notable seed of support was planted by the Green Advocacy Project, a nonprofit hailing from the San Francisco Bay area that contributed a hefty $150,000 to the PAC. This organization has ties to individuals who have backed campaigns for prominent figures like Bernie Sanders, adding some significant clout to Matlow’s cause.

Spending Strategies

With great funds come great responsibilities, and One Tallahassee didn’t hold back when it came to spending. In the days leading up to the November 5 elections, the PAC spent nearly $77,000, clearly banking on the urgency of the campaign. Among its notable expenditures were ads with major players like WCTV, Disney, and Google, which collectively cost over $32,000.

All totaled up, One Tallahassee’s overall spending came to $360,234, just a shade less than the total amount raised. Matlow, wearing multiple hats as the PAC’s chairperson, treasurer, and registered agent, received $13,800 as reimbursement for Facebook ads, highlighting the modern approach to political campaigning.

Successes and Setbacks

As the dust settled after the election, it became clear that not all ambitions were realized. While Jack Porter successfully won re-election, Curtis Richardson and Laurie Lawson Cox retained their positions, meaning Matlow’s hopes of establishing a new 3-2 voting majority were dashed. The results reflect the ongoing struggle for control of the City Commission, a battle marked by the presence of other political entities like Grow Tallahassee PC and Citizens for Balanced Growth, both of which made significant contributions to their respective campaigns.

Post-Election Reflections

In the aftermath of the elections, Matlow’s words did not go unnoted. He took to social media, expressing frustration over media portrayals and indicating a departure from a newspaper he had previously engaged with, along with distancing himself from the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. This revelation stirred conversations among locals about the depth and intensity of political discourse in Tallahassee.

With the closure of One Tallahassee, what’s next for Matlow and the landscape of local politics? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure: this spirited effort and its results will continue fueling discussions among residents and political enthusiasts alike.