Tag Archives: Michael Friend

Dental PAC Fuels Democrat In State House 102 Race, While Republican Candidate Shows Grassroots Power

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The latest campaign reports for the Florida House of Representatives District 102 race show Democrat candidate fueled by a dental political committee and a Republican candidate with strong grassroots support. District 102 covers Cooper City as well as parts of Davie, Sunrise and Plantation. The seat is currently held by Rep. Michael Gottlieb, who is term-limited.

Gottlieb was quick to endorse fellow Democrat Michael Friend when he entered the race last December. While Friend is a political newcomer, he does enjoy the support of longtime Democrat consultant Barbara Miller.

Michael Friend and Barbara Miller all smiles at recent Democrat event.

After loaning his campaign $50,000 dollars in December, contributions to Friend’s campaign have steadily declined.

In a report released this week, Friend’s campaign reported $22,462 in contributions between April 2025 and June 2025. That amount is nearly $1,500 less than the report covering January 2025 to March 2025.

The latest numbers were bolstered by numerous contributions from the Florida Dental Association Political Action Committee (PAC) of Tallahassee. Friend, a west Broward dentist, reported six contributions from the FDA PAC totaling $8,900 dollars.

On the Republican side, the newcomer to the race, Cooper City Commissioner Jason Smith showed surprising power on the grassroots level. In its first report, the Smith campaign reported nearly one-hundred contributions totaling $14, 411 dollars. While Smith did receive five contributions from firefighter-related political committees, the majority of supporters made smaller contributions to his campaign.

Cooper City Commissioner Jason Smith

Smith’s strong showing may signal trouble for his Republican opponent, Southwest Ranches attorney Mery Lopez Palma.

In November 2024, Lopez Palma ran against Gottlieb for the House 102 seat. Three months earlier, Lopez Palma was on the August ballot as a candidate for Republican Party State Committeewoman. Even though she lost both races, some GOP insiders assumed Lopez Palma would have a leg up on any challengers in a Republican primary.

Mery Lopez Palma

According to her latest report, Mery Lopez Palma enjoys no such advantage.

From April to June 2025, the Lopez Palma campaign raised just $2,557.70 from almost twenty supporters.

Lopez Palma loaned $13,021.15 to her campaign.

Between January and March, Lopez Palma raised no money and loaned her campaign $1,000 dollars.

Even more bad news for Mery Lopez Palma—Cooper City is the only city which lies within the boundaries of District 102. As the recently elected (unopposed) commissioner of Cooper City, Jason Smith should enjoy a built-in electoral advantage.

Smith told REDBROWARD, “Today’s report confirms what we already knew, that this campaign is powered by real people, not special interests. I’ve built a grassroots movement that’s growing stronger every day. I won’t let up!”

Cooper City Commissioner Jason Smith Running For FL House 102 Seat

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Cooper City Commissioner Jason Smith

Cooper City Commissioner Jason Smith is running for a seat in the Florida House of Representatives. On Wednesday, Smith filed paperwork for the District 102 seat currently held by the term-limited Michael Gottlieb. Smith is the second Republican to file for the District 102 seat which includes parts of central western Broward County.

Smith faces off against attorney Mery Lopez Palma. In 2024, Palma lost to Gottlieb. Democrat Michael Friend is also running for the seat.

Here is Jason Smith’s bio from the City of Cooper City:

Commissioner Jason Smith brings a wealth of experience to his role, combining over 23 years in public safety with a dynamic entrepreneurial career. As a business owner, he has successfully led companies specializing in education, consulting, and the delivery of medical and non-medical products. His leadership extends to academia, where he served as an Assistant Dean, and he is also a licensed insurance agent. This diverse background reflects his ability to adapt, innovate, and meet the evolving needs of the community.

A resident of Cooper City for more than 20 years, Commissioner Smith is deeply committed to enhancing the city he proudly calls home. Married to his wife Rachael for 17 years, they are raising two daughters, Madison and Brooke. Inspired to run for office by a desire to give back to the community, he took the step after years of involvement in city initiatives, including the Education Advisory Board. His dedication to Cooper City’s well-being and future motivated him to take on this leadership role.

As Commissioner, his top priorities include addressing infrastructure needs and fostering collaboration between residents, City staff, and elected officials. He is committed to maintaining Cooper City’s status as “Someplace Special” by staying accessible to the community through social media and other avenues, ensuring residents’ voices are heard. Through teamwork and innovative solutions, Commissioner Smith aims to balance resources and budgets while preserving Cooper City’s unique charm.