Between the Lines with Dara Kam

On this week's "Between the Lines with Dara Kam" from State Affairs, Florida International University political science professor Kathryn DePalo-Gould and our host unpack what happened and dig into what comes next. DePalo-Gould, who has studied Florida politics for more than 20 years, shares insights about statewide, congressional and legislative races and, of course, Republican Byron Donalds' historic election as the state's first Black governor in a contest won by about 100,000 votes. Giving darts and laurels up and down the ballot, the FIU professor weighs in on the impact of Amendment 3's property-tax proposal on GOP turnout. Was it enough to help Donalds over the top? Tune in and find out. The pair also dive into the "Angie Nixon effect," breaking down how the U.S. Senate nominee sparked a movement energizing younger and Black voters by focusing on affordability and pocket-book issues. In the state House, Florida Democrats made history breaking the GOP's supermajority and flipping 16 seats heading into the next legislative session. Join in to hear the professor discuss whether the Dems' legislative wins could shift Florida back into purple state status.  Plus: Why young voters are the new swing voters, why DePalo-Gould thinks Marco Rubio is "absolutely running" in 2028, and her biggest pet peeve. "Every time I think I understand Florida politics," she says, "the next election happens, and we're right back to, what is going on?" Visit pro.stateaffairs.com/FL for more.  

Two guests are better than one! House Speaker-Designate Sam Garrison, R-Fleming Island, and Senate President-Designate Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, join "Between the Lines with Dara Kam" from State Affairs on the eve of an election taking place against national headwinds. After years of friction between the chambers, the leaders describe a partnership they deliberately built long before claiming their posts. Pledging "low drama, high confidence," Speaker Garrison surprises his Senate counterpart with a story about the first time the House leader set foot in the Florida Legislature.  In a wide-ranging conversation that is candid, philosophical and good-humored, Dara probes the leaders about Amendment 3 and the possibility of a special session if voters approve the property-tax proposal, which they both support. The episode ends on a lighter note as Boyd and Garrison — who clearly like each other — encourage listeners to vote and remember their manners when casting ballots. Also, pet peeves and campaign snacks! Visit pro.stateaffairs.com/fl for more.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski of the Archdiocese of Miami returns to "Between the Lines with Dara Kam" from State Affairs for the second installment of a two‑part series, this time turning to the humanitarian crisis unfolding around immigration enforcement and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian migrants. Wenski, who has ministered to Haitian communities in South Florida since 1978 and speaks Haitian Creole, reflects on his decades‑long connection to the people most affected by shifting federal and state policies. He shares stories from the front lines — including saying Mass on Christmas Day for detainees held at the Everglades facility supporters dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" — and argues that immigrant workers are essential to strengthening an ailing economy. He also makes the case for giving long‑time residents a path to lawful citizenship, noting that "Americans have always been blessed by their immigrants." If he had a private moment with Florida's top leaders, Wenski says he'd urge them to "remember where you come from," pointing out that even Gov. Ron DeSantis carries an Italian surname. The episode closes on a lighter note as the "Biker Bishop" joins Dara for a Between the Lines lightning round, revealing how he likes to dress when he's out riding his Harley. Visit pro.stateaffairs.com/fl for more.  

Archbishop Thomas Wenski of the Archdiocese of Miami joins "Between the Lines with Dara Kam" from State Affairs this week for the first of a two-part series, this week offering an unflinching look at the intersection of faith, public policy, and human dignity in Florida.  The conversation begins with a high-stakes dispute over Catholic school vaccination requirements and the state's threats to withhold voucher funding if diocese leaders do not reverse a policy requiring all students to be vaccinated. Archbishop Wenski defends the Church's stance, explaining why current vaccines align with Catholic teaching and why protecting public health serves the common good of students, educators, and the broader community. Dara and the archbishop of the state's largest diocese also delve into the Church's longstanding opposition to capital punishment as the state executes Death Row inmates at a record pace.  In part two, the pair discuss the humanitarian crisis surrounding immigration enforcement and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian migrants, with Archbishop Wenski sharing his deep personal connection to the Haitian community.  The series ends on a lighter note as the "Biker Bishop" reflects on his decades of ministry and life on two wheels. Visit pro.stateaffairs.com/fl for more.  

Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly joins "Between the Lines with Dara Kam" from State Affairs in the final stretch of what has become one of Florida's most heated — and most expensive — governor's races.  Facing a Republican opponent who has raised a staggering $140 million, Jolly argues that the more Byron Donalds spends, the worse he performs in the polls. With Election Day approaching, Jolly says he sees the race as nearly even, offering Democrats their first real shot at the governor's mansion in more than twenty‑five years. He describes his closing strategy as a "Lawton Chiles‑style" campaign, crisscrossing the state and visiting counties of every political shade, blue, purple, and deep red, in a final push to connect with voters directly. Jolly also reflects on his own political evolution, discussing why the former Republican congressman ultimately left the GOP, saying the party no longer reflected his values. Plus, in the "Between the Lines" lightning-round, Jolly shares his fave campaign snacks and reveals why he won't be donning a costume for Halloween! Visit pro.stateaffairs.com/fl for more.