Political Dollars

Radio stations in Florida may be poised to get some of the biggest totals in political ad revenue in 2022. Not only is the state home to a U.S. Senate race along with every House seat, but Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ reelection bid is expected to be one of the most expensive in the country. Money is already being spent.

The bipartisan group American Business Immigration Coalition Action announced Tuesday that it is launching a Spanish-language radio ad blitz targeting DeSantis after he ordered state agencies to refuse issuing licenses to federal- funded shelters that house unaccompanied migrant children.

NBC News reports the ads look to appeal to Florida’s Cuban American population where many had a much different welcome when they arrived in the 1960s under a federal program that allowed Cuban children to enter the U.S.

“Governor DeSantis is trying to benefit himself politically by attacking innocent immigrant children who are only seeking refuge. And to top it off, he did it in Miami, Florida’s own Ellis Island,” the ad says. The campaign has what is described as a six-figure budget.

Democrats are expected to heavily target DeSantis, who many think will use successful reelection to launch a presidential bid. The latest polls show he is in a good position nine months from Election Day. A new Mason Dixon poll shows DeSantis would beat any of his Democratic challengers. He also has a 53% job approval rating according to the poll.

There are gubernatorial races in 36 states – including what are also expected to be competitive races in California, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Arizona.