Florida Republicans Earn Clean Sweep in Special Elections

The Republican Party of Florida celebrated after all three of its candidates took home special election victories on Tuesday night.

“These wins are a testament to strong candidates, hard work on the ground, and the clear momentum behind our conservative message,” Florida GOP Chairman Evan Power said. “Nathan Boyles, Brian Hodgers, and Debbie Mayfield ran smart, disciplined campaigns – and Floridians responded.”

Here are the unofficial results:

House District 3: Most of Santa Rosa County, part of Okaloosa County

Projected WIN for Republican Nathan Boyles

Nathan Boyles (R) -  67.4%

Dondre Wise (D) - 32.6%

Quick analysis: This House race was status quo, as both counties located on the Florida Panhandle are heavily Republican. The previous Republican representative, Joel Rudman, won HD 32 with nearly 80% of the vote, so Wise was facing an uphill battle. Boyles had this one in the bag.

House District 32: Part of Brevard County

Projected WIN for Republican Brian Hodgers

Brian Hodgers (R) - 55.3%

Juan Hinojosa (D) - 45.6%

Quick analysis: Hodgers escaped a narrow Republican primary in April but enjoyed a comfortable victory against Hinojosa. Brevard is heavily red, with Hodgers replacing Republican Debbie Mayfield (see below) for the seat. He also held a string of endorsements, which might have propelled him. Hinojosa lost to Mayfield by 29 points last November, so I guess he can take a bit of a moral victory here.

Senate District 19:

Projected WIN for Republican Debbie Mayfield

Debbie Mayfield (R) - 54.4%

Vance Ahrens (D) - 45.6%

Quick analysis: Mayfield had a lot of steam going into this race. She is a former State Senator and was a member of the Florida House of Representatives. Republican Sen. Rick Scott and Senate President Ben Albritton also backed Mayfield. The biggest threat to her might have been that she almost wasn't allowed to run. Ahrens, on the other hand, was trying to become the first openly trans person in the Florida Senate. This seat opened after Republican Randy Fine resigned to run for Congress, who beat Ahrens by 19 points in SD 19 last November.

“Tonight’s results are just the latest proof that Republicans win in Florida – and Democrats are running out of excuses,” added Power. “The Florida GOP leads the way!”