The winners of Tuesday’s primary have the potential to make the Hillsborough County Commission even more Republican or give Democrats a real chance to influence the county’s $9 billion budget.
Since 2022, four Republicans and three Democrats have shared the board. In previous elections, however, the picture was always bluer in the county. Democrats won a 4-3 lead in 2018 and expanded that majority to 5-2 in 2020. If Republicans retain their seats in November and replace the outgoing 6th District Commissioner, they will likely face a tough time in the state. Pat Kemps With a seat in the Senate, the GOP would regain its lead to its 2016 level of 5-2.
But due to political developments and the redistribution of constituencies, there is no sure thing for any of the parties.
District 2
Ken Haganone of Tampa Bay’s most powerful politicians and the longest-serving Republican on the Commission, is often the Change voteAnd while he’s likely to win in the 2nd District on Tuesday, things could look very different in November.
Reorganization of electoral districts has turned the seating areas around New Tampa and the University of South Florida into a battlefield.
In July, 70,610 Republicans were registered, in the majority compared to the Democrats There are only 761 voters in the constituency. Independent voters make up just over 59,000.
Hagan, who has held the historically red seat since 2018, has raised more money than his Republican challenger Melissa Nordbecka land use activist, for more than $200,000.
democrat Patricia Alonzowho is running unopposed on Tuesday, is endorsed by Ruth’s List as a pro-choice candidate. With Abortion in the consciousness of many votersshe could be an attractive choice for supporters of Amendment 4.
District 4
Christine Miller had her eye on Kemp’s seat at the beginning of her campaign, but now she is is making himself comfortable in the 4th district and is the clear frontrunner for the Republican nomination.
Governor. Ron DeSantis appointed her in June to fill the position Michael Owen left to run for the 70th congressional district of the House of Representatives. CEO of Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce Is far more money than their opponents with $124,000 mostly unspent and over $427,000 in their political committeeFriends of Christine Miller. Her Republican challenger, a real estate agent Cody Powellspent most of his $43,000.
Together with DeSantis, Miller has recommendations from Republican Senators Danny Burgess and Jay Collins And four GOP representatives.
Powell advocates for a “pro God, pro Trump” platform, with the first priority on its website being: “Ban woke books from schools and libraries and end transgender indoctrination.”
Democrats Jonathan Chaveza recent graduate of the University of South Florida, and President of the Black Chamber of Commerce in Hillsborough County Nicole Payne are fighting to get on the November ballot in this predominantly Democratic district. You are also running against an independent candidate Matthias Tayloralso known as Standup comedian Matt the WelderNone of the three has raised more than $14,000, and each has spent most of their funds.
District 6
Former Member of Parliament Sean Shaw is willing to replace Kemp if the Democrats can retain the statewide seat. He is dominant fundraising in this raceand with Cynthia Fuentes And Mark Nash his only opponent on Tuesday is First-time candidate and library staff Joseph Ryan Taylor.
Shaw’s donors to his $146,000 campaign fund include former lawmakers. Ben Diamond And Ed Narainformer commissioner Betty Castorformer prosecutor Jim ShimbergStrip club magnate and community activist Joe Speakerpolitical advisor Justin Day, Chairman of Leadership Florida, Ron Christaldi and former CFO of Florida Alex washbasinHis PC, Friends of Sean Shaw has raised more than $88,000.
Taylor has now spent almost all of the $8,000 he raised.
On the Republican side: long-time firefighter of the district Chris Boles raised more money but did not spend more than the former Commission and Council candidate Jim DavisonBoles has spent about $22,000 of his more than $83,000. Davison is going all-in, with about $8,000 left of his $48,000 donations.
Boles’ priorities include better funding for the sheriff’s office and emergency services, lower taxes for seniors and a ban on development without lot lines. His supporters include lawmakers. Daniel Alvarez, Karen Gonzalez Pittman And Traci Koesterand Commissioners Hagan and Miller. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister and several police and fire department groups also assisted Boles.
Davison is focused on budget control, improving roads, establishing a participatory budget committee and creating jobs to prevent inflation. His biggest support comes from former County Commissioner Stacy White.
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