An Aug. 20 primary in the Florida Keys saw several candidates handily winning their races and taking their seats. Others successfully secured the Republican or Democratic nomination as they head to the November general election for a chance to represent Florida Keys residents. Here is a roundup of the results and candidate reactions as the vote tallies came in through the night. Many candidates attended a forum at the Harvey Government Center in Key West as the results came in.
More than 14,000 voters cast their ballots in Monroe County. For the full unofficial results, visit https://enr.electionsfl.org/MON/Summary/3636/. Below are some of the results from the notable races.
U.S. SENATE — REPUBLICAN INCUMBENT RICK SCOTT TO SQUARE OFF AGAINST DEMOCRAT DEBBIE MUCARSEL-POWELL
Republican incumbent and U.S. Sen. Rick Scott cruised to victory in the Republican primary, securing 84.35% of votes cast throughout the state. On the Democratic side, former U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell garnered 68.49% of votes cast. The two will face off in the November general election.
“Thank you, Florida. Looking forward to a big win in November.” — Rick Scott
“Thank you, Florida. Now let’s win November!” — Debbie Mucarsel-Powell
MONROE COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS — SHERRI HODIES WINS THE REPUBLICAN NOD
Republican Sherri Hodies beat Margaret Romero in the Republican primary for supervisor of elections. Hodies received 60.79% of the votes cast, while Romero gathered 39.21% of the votes cast. Hodies will square off against Democrat Ron Saunders in the November general election.
“I had this huge sincerity that I wanted to put myself out there as not a politician but as a person as like any one of us sitting in this room or out there voting.” — Sherri Hodies
SCHOOL BOARD SEAT 2 — YVETTE MIRA-TALBOTT WINS
Yvette Mira-Talbott will take her seat on the school board in November following a primary victory over Zach Bentley. Mira-Talbott secured 58.45% of the votes cast while Bentley garnered 41.55% of the votes cast. Mira-Talbott takes the seat currently held by Andy Griffiths for more than 30 years.
“I’ve always been a supporter of education and children. I think it was clear from the beginning that was my goal.” — Yvette Mira-Talbott
COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 5 — HOLLY RASCHEIN PREVAILS
Incumbent and Monroe County Mayor Holly Raschein secured the victory with more than 55% of the votes cast. Challenger Melissa Ptomey received 36.67% of the total votes, and challenger Paul Wunderlich secured 8.27% of votes cast.
“Negative campaigns don’t work down here in this amazing community. When you personally attack people, I think it diminishes from your reasons for running for office. Recognizing what the people need right now is critical to restoring faith in our communities.” — Holly Raschein
