FLORIDA DEMOCRATS SHATTER REPUBLICAN SUPERMAJORITY IN THE HOUSE, FLIP SENATE SEAT IN MAJOR LEGISLATIVE GAINS
TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida Democrats celebrated sweeping legislative gains in Tuesday’s midterm elections, netting 15 seats in the Florida House, breaking the Republican supermajority, and flipping an additional seat in the Florida Senate. The victories mark a major shift in the balance of power in Tallahassee after decades of Republican control of state government.
The gains could grow even further, with Democrat Daniel McDow, former Brevard County Democratic Executive Committee Chair and former West Melbourne City Councilman, heading into a recount in House District 33.
The results reflect years of investment in candidate recruitment, grassroots organizing, and competitive races across the state. Through the Florida Democratic Party’s Take Back Florida Distinction program, the party identified 17 competitive red-to-blue opportunities and provided grassroots organizing and fundraising support to participating candidates.
“Last night, Florida voters sent a clear message: After years of unchecked, one-party control in Tallahassee, they’re ready for change. Democrats gained 15 seats in the Florida House, broke the Republican supermajority, and flipped another seat in the Senate. These are significant victories that will fundamentally change the balance of power in our state Capitol,” said Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried.
“These wins are the result of years of work to recruit strong candidates, invest in competitive races, and build a grassroots operation that can compete across Florida. I want to congratulate every Democrat who won last night and thank the thousands of volunteers and organizers who made these victories possible.
“For too long, Republicans have treated their supermajorities like a blank check while Florida families paid the price. Breaking their supermajority in the House is a major milestone, but our work is far from over. We’re going to keep fighting to lower costs, protect our freedoms, strengthen our public schools, and build a Florida that works for everyone.”
“Last night’s results reflect the confidence voters have placed in Democratic candidates who listened to their concerns and offered real solutions to the challenges facing their communities, ” said Senate Democratic Leader-Designate Tracie Davis. “I’m grateful to the voters across our state who made their voices heard. Senate Democrats are ready to get to work advancing an affordability agenda that lowers costs, raises wages, and gives every Floridian a fair shot at a brighter future.”
“This election cycle, House Democrats put in the work, knocking on hundreds of thousands of doors, connecting with voters across Florida, and presenting a clear vision for a better future. I’m incredibly proud of the program we built, recruiting strong candidates who reflect the communities they serve and giving them the resources to compete and get their message out,” said House Democratic Leader-Designate Christine Hunschofsky. “Breaking the Republican supermajority in the Florida House is a major milestone and a testament to that hard work. Floridians can count on House Democrats to fight to lower costs for working families and seniors, tackle the challenges facing our state, and always put people first.”
Democrats secured victories in the following state legislative races, flipping Republican-held seats and successfully defending Democratic districts:
Florida Senate
* – Indicates Incumbent
^ Indicates red to blue flip
+ Indicates targeted seat retained
^ John Lowndes, District 10
+ * Sen. Brian Nathan, District 14
* Sen. Mack Bernard, District 24
David Silvers, District 26
Lauren Book, District 30
* Sen. Rosalind Osgood, District 32
Ashley Gantt, District 34
Florida House
* Indicates Incumbent
^ Indicates red to blue flip
+ Indicates targeted seat retained
~ Indicates recount
+ * Rep. Allison Tant, District 9
^ Amy Trask, District 22
~ Daniel McDow, District 33
^ Eric Gray, District 35
^ Darryl Block, District 36
^ Jane Aman, District 37
^ Nik Dean, District 38
^ Jarod Fox, District 39
* Rep. Ra’Shon Young, District 40
Felipe Sousa Lazaballet, District 42
Samuel Vilchez Santiago, District 43
+ * Rep. Leonard Spencer, District 45
* Jose Alvarez, District 46
^ Anthony Nieves, District 47
^ Octavio Hernandez, District 51
+ Lindsay Polega-Quigley, District 60
^ Luis Salazar, District 64
Luis Viera, District 67
^ Ashley Herrmann, District 69
* Rep. Jervonte Edmonds, District 88
+ * Rep. Debra Tendrich, District 89
* Rep. Rob Long, District 90
* Rep. Kelly Skidmore, District 92
^ August Mangeney, District 93
^ Elizabeth Holmes, District 94
^ Michael Ferguson, District 100
^ Todd Delmay, District 101
Michael Friend, District 102
* Rep. Robin Bartleman, District 103
^ Lucia Baez-Geller, District 106
Daphne Campbell, District 108
^ Gloria Romero Roses, District 113
+ * Rep. Kevin Chambliss, District 117