January 3, 2024
After Mayor Donna Deegan’s removal of the Springfield Park Confederate monument, it’s clear there will be political ramifications for years…
A.G. Gancarski's work can be seen in the Washington Post, the New York Post, Florida Politics, the Washington Times, and National Review, among other publications. He writes about the intersection of state and local politics and policy.
December 18, 2023
OPINION | Donna Deegan needs a political machine
With three-and-a-half years to go in Deegan’s administration, it’s apparent that she could use more political cover on the City…
December 3, 2023
OPINION | Most compelling race of 2024? The Democratic primary in House District 13
Rep. Angie Nixon, who had close to 90% of the vote in her 2022 Democratic primary, will face off against…
November 20, 2023
OPINION | Ron DeSantis picks and chooses his First Amendment battles
It’s hard to see Ron DeSantis’ 11th hour cosplay as a free speech warrior as anything more than an attempt…
November 6, 2023
OPINION | Selective outrage: The perils and self-deceptions of bringing a foreign war home
Our elected leaders would rather support Israel than denounce home-grown anti-Semitism.…
October 23, 2023
OPINION | In defense of Ron Salem
Ron Salem, a Republican of Palestinian descent, is taking hits for his no vote on a City Council resolution offering…
October 9, 2023
OPINION | Donna Deegan’s stadium conundrum
The mayor isn’t going to be able to make everyone happy. Will anyone be smiling at the end?…
September 18, 2023
OPINION | Where did Deegan go wrong? Lessons from the failed Ferraro and DeFoor nominations
Two failed nominations reveal a surprising lack of understanding of how the City Council actually works and thinks.…
September 4, 2023
OPINION | The ultimate pragmatist: E. Denise Lee’s inclusive politics
We need Denise Lee’s clarity of vision to be actualized by a new generation, her ability to unify people who…
August 21, 2023
OPINION | Jacksonville isn’t Ron DeSantis’ town anymore
What’s clear is that Ron DeSantis has taken his eye off Jacksonville — like the rest of the state — and…
August 7, 2023
OPINION | Is it a purge? Donna Deegan separates from the Lenny Curry era
Mayor Donna Deegan has made some moves that show a dramatic break with the previous administration. But not all of…
July 23, 2023
OPINION | VP Harris exposed DeSantis’ weakness
VP Harris spoke truths about Gov. Ron DeSantis that Florida’s disempowered Democrats lack the platform to fully get over on…
July 10, 2023
OPINION | Covering Deegan: News media will face special challenge in covering a friendly face
Donna Deegan presents a unique challenge for local media, many of whom have known her as a friend for a…
June 25, 2023
OPINION | End of an era: Lenny Curry exits stage right
The Curry era, unlike any other in Jacksonville history, was one in which partisan Republicanism prevailed.…
June 11, 2023
OPINION | ‘DeSantismander’ deserves a legal challenge
Florida’s congressional district map is a fraud, and the most glaring example is my district. No offense to Aaron Bean,…
May 29, 2023
OPINION | Transition volition: Why Donna Deegan needs a fast start
Mayor Deegan will deal with a GOP supermajority City Council. She is going to have to score early victories before…
May 16, 2023
OPINION | ‘Love over fear’: An epilogue for the 2023 election
Donna Deegan met the negativity from Daniel Davis’ campaign with a positive vision, managing to rebuff insipid and dishonest attacks.…
May 15, 2023
OPINION | The campaign we deserved? Looking back on the 2023 Jax mayor election
What the Donna Deegan vs. Daniel Davis’ race says about Jacksonville voters and what kind of politics people here really…
May 1, 2023
OPINION | Romanticizing law enforcement is a no-win game
For all of their differences, Donna Deegan and Daniel Davis are on the same page when it comes to giving…
April 17, 2023
OPINION | What Donna Deegan must do in Thursday’s debate
Donna Deegan shouldn’t approach this debate like she’s eight points ahead; rather, she needs to act like she’s eight points…
April 2, 2023
OPINION | Are local parties a factor in the Jax elections?
Candidates like Donna Deegan and Daniel Davis can’t necessarily rely on the Duval Democratic and Republican parties to help them…
March 19, 2023
OPINION | Federal case could threaten local LGBT protections
A Catholic bookstore’s suit against Jacksonville’s LGBTQ protections will cast a shadow over the mayoral campaign.…
March 5, 2023
OPINION | The debate we deserve
Mayoral candidates are headed to a debate this week, courtesy of WJXT, host Kent Justice, and Jacksonville University. What can…
February 20, 2023
OPINION | What the Donna Deegan surge means
Donna Deegan has raised a fraction of the money her opponents have. So why is she polling better?…