Ron DeSantis heads into second term as Florida Governor – wins by a nearly 20 percent margin.
Courtesy of Gage Skidmore
By Brianna Bush
The 2022 Florida midterm election results are in with substantial victories and reelections by Republican candidates in top races.
Ron DeSantis won a second term as Florida governor, defeating Democrat Charlie Crist by a nearly 20 percent margin –– 59 to 40, respectively.
DeSantis’ reelection campaign was key to this win as he stood firm on his mission to “Keep Florida Free,” stop “woke” practices and increase restrictions on abortion.
Marco Rubio, who was also reelected, is heading into his third term as U.S. Senator for Florida after overcoming Democrat Val Demings by a 16 percent margin –– 57 to 41.
Rubio, who backed DeSantis’ mission to “Keep Florida Free,” also narrowed in on controversial issues including his pro-life position on abortion, inflation, gun violence and immigration.
Although Rubio’s victory was huge for Republicans, Democrats are projected to maintain control of the Senate as a vital race in Nevada gave Democrats an edge – 50 to 49.
Landslide victories from Republican candidates in other top races supports Florida’s shift from a swing state to red.
Ashlely Moody won reelection against Democrat Aramis Ayala –– 60 to 39, a 21 percent margin –– and is on her way to becoming Attorney General for a second term.
Jimmy Patronis won the Chief Financial Officer race, 59 to 40, defeating Democrat Adam Hattersley.
Republican Wilton Simpson won a seat as Agriculture Commissioner, overcoming Democrat Naomi Blemur –– 59 to 40.
In Pinellas County, victories were also upheld by Republican candidates, with some exceptions.
Republican Anna Paulina Luna won a seat for the U.S. House District, defeating Democrat Eric Lynn 53 to 45.
Republican candidate Brian Scott won the seat for Pinellas County Commissioner District 2 with 54 percent of the votes, compared to Democrat Patricia Gerad’s 46 percent.
In the nonpartisan race, Della Cope won the seat for Pinellas County Judge Group 1 against Megan Roach –– 58 to 41.
Votes are still being counted in other states, therefore, which political party controls the House of Representatives has yet to be determined.
Several issues regarding state constitutional amendments were decided on the Florida Ballot with voters choosing “yes” or “no.” All three amendments had a majority affirmative vote, but none made it to 60 percent, which is needed for an amendment to pass.
According to the Associated Press (AP), Constitution Amendment 1 allows lawmakers to change property tax rules regarding flood resistance. “No” is projected to win, which will continue to allow flood-resistant improvement to be considered for a property’s assessed values.
Amendment 2 seeks to abolish the 37-member panel that meets every two decades to propose amendments to the state constitution. “No” is projected to win, retaining the state’s Constitutional Revision Commission.
Amendment 3 allows lawmakers to change property tax exemptions for some public workers. “No” is the projected winner, opposing additional homestead proper exemption for certain public service workers.
While 99% of voting precincts have reported results, these are not the final results and are projections by AP, who vow to report accurate and swift election results. The voting projections are data as of Nov 10. and are updated regularly by AP.
