In another razor-thin election, Florida voters on Tuesday continued a two-decade streak of Republican dominance by electing former U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis as governor over Andrew Gillum.
Eight years after shocking the political establishment by becoming Florida governor, Republican Rick Scott declared victory late Tuesday night in his campaign against U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson. With a loss Tuesday by Nelson, Democrats now will not control any statewide offices in Florida. While Democrats picked up a handful of congressional and legislative seats.
The suspense will continue in the closely watched state Senate race between incumbent Republican Dana Young and Democratic challenger Janet Cruz. Cruz, who is trying to win the Hillsborough County Senate seat after serving as House minority leader, ended Tuesday evening with an 82-vote advantage over Young in a race where 203,162 votes were cast.
Most Florida felons who have finished their sentences will be able to vote again in future elections. Voters on Tuesday approved Amendment 4, which says that most felons will automatically have their voting rights restored when they complete their sentences or go on probation. The amendment exempts those convicted of sex offenses and murder. Also Amendment 7 passed so – First Responder and Military Member Survivor Benefits. The only Amendment that did not pass is Amendment 1 – Increased Homestead Property Tax Exemption.