Pocketbooks and Predictions 2026 shape Florida's political landscape as Brian Crowley and Michael Williams analyze the governor's race, Trump's influence, property tax reform battles, and economic challenges facing voters. Byron Donalds leads with Trump's backing and $30 million, but will it hold. Democrats face a million-voter registration gap while younger generations worry about AI replacing jobs and student loan debt. From redistricting fights to the mockingbird versus flamingo debate, this episode covers the serious and the silly in Florida politics.

00:00 - Happy New Year and Brian's Birthday Celebration

0:50 - New 9 AM Sunday Time Slot Announcement

1:57 - Byron Donalds: The $30M Front-Runner with Trump's Endorsement

2:38 - Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins: Struggling for DeSantis Support

3:16 - Paul Renner: The "Issues Guy" Takes Aim at Affordability

4:05 - James Fishback: 31-Year-Old Provocateur Enters Race

5:32 - Front-Runners Who Faded: The Jeb Bush Warning

7:42 - Where is Ron DeSantis? Silent on Succession

8:16 - The DeSantis-Trump War and Susie Wiles Factor

10:57 - Democratic Challengers: Dave Jolly and Jerry Demings

12:31 - The Million-Voter Registration Deficit Problem

14:29 - Building From the Bottom Up: Democratic Party Challenges

16:45 - Why Podcasts Matter More Than Traditional Media

18:11 - Affordability Crisis: The Driving Issue of 2026

20:04 - AI and the Future Economy: Who Gets It?

22:21 - Property Tax Battle: DeSantis vs. Legislature

24:40 - Redistricting 2026: Florida's Crown Jewel Status

27:07 - Flamingo vs. Mockingbird: The Legislature's "Hot" Issue

28:26 - Wrapping Up: Major to Mundane in Florida Politics

📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida

🎧 PREFER TO LISTEN ON THE GO? Don't miss an episode while you drive or workout. Subscribe to the audio-only version of "Top of Mind Florida" on your favorite platform:

▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1818339119

▶️ RSS Feed / All Platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/