Chris Dawson, Attorney, GrayRobinson
Floridians showed up at polling locations across the Sunshine State in August’s primary election with competitive races being decided from Pensacola to Key West. Voter turnout was typical of most primary elections, hovering around a 22 percent average statewide. Amidst the backdrop of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the Florida primary similarly set the stage for key matchups headed into the November 5 general election. In other contests, the primary election winner secured heir-apparent status among Florida’s more partisan districts. Let’s review a few key races from the August 20 contests that will significantly shape the makeup of the Florida Legislature.
Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns Counties and part of Volusia County
The most contentious – and expensive – matchup of the primary election season was fought in Republican-leaning Senate District 7. The Northeast Florida seat, currently held by term-limited Sen. Travis Hutson (R – Palm Coast), saw tremendous amounts of outside
cash pour into the Republican primary election, where the winner is a shoo-in for victory in the general election. Florida House of Representatives Budget Chairman Rep. Tom Leek (R – Daytona Beach) was the presumptive frontrunner in the race and ultimately
proved victorious. He enjoyed the backing of incoming Senate President, Ben Albritton (R – Wauchula) and Governor Ron DeSantis. Leek faced challenger Gerry James as well as a late-emerging challenger in former St. Johns County Sheriff, David Shoar, who received the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. Ultimately, Leek secured 47 percent of the vote to Shoar’s 28 percent and James’ 25 percent, leaving him to face Democratic challenger George Hill II, in November.
Lake County and part of Orange County
Central Florida’s most expensive primary fight was another Republican Senatorial contest to replace term-limited Sen. Dennis Baxley (R – Lady Lake). The SD 13 race pitted veteran lawmaker Rep. Keith Truenow (R – Tavares) against grocery store chain executive Bowen Kou and challenger C.J. Blancett. Many estimations place campaign expenditures in the race at several million dollars. Truenow, known as the “Sodfather,” as a nod to his agricultural roots, emerged victorious with 67 percent of the vote to Bowen’s 24 percent and Blancett’s 9 percent among primary voters. Truenow faces Democrat candidate Stephanie Dukes in the November election where he is projected to easily cruise to victory. Truenow has been a strong advocate for water quality issues, agriculture and workforce development in the Florida House and is expected to take those priorities with him to the Florida Senate.
Parts of Lake, Marion and Volusia Counties
North Central Florida’s HD 27 saw one of the most competitive three-way primaries in the August election with three viable, well-funded candidates competing to replace term-limited Rep. Stan McClain (R – Ocala). After the votes were tabulated, Richard
Gentry emerged on top of the pile. Gentry served a long career working as legislative advocate for the Florida Homebuilders Association, among other clients. Following a short retirement, he chose to pursue elected office in the Florida House. With 37 percent of the vote, Gentry beat out Steve Shives with 33 percent and Beckie Sirolli with 30 percent, to bring his career-long understanding of Florida’s construction industry back to the Legislature.
With the August primary in the rearview mirror, candidates now turn their eyes to the November general election. Most legislative races have multiple challengers, despite many districts heavily favoring one party over another. Voter turnout is sure to rise in November, with national contests, a statewide U.S. Senate race, statewide ballot initiatives and contested local races all driving voter interest.
Chris Dawson is an Attorney and professional Lobbyist for GrayRobinson’s Orlando office and is licensed to practice law in both Florida and Alabama. He also holds two degrees in Civil Engineering.
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