Florida Democrats have achieved a victory in the state House 35th District election. Democrat Tom Keen, an aerospace executive, narrowly defeated Republican Erika Booth, a member of the Osceola County school board, with a 51% to 49% margin. This district, encompassing parts of Orange and Osceola counties, was previously held by Republican Fred Hawkins, who vacated the seat last summer.
This win is significant considering the district’s recent voting history. While Fred Hawkins secured the seat in 2022 with an 11-point lead, President Biden had won the district by 5 points in 2020, indicating a diverse political landscape. The Florida Democratic Party and national figures have expressed enthusiasm over Keen’s victory, calling it a major setback for Governor Ron DeSantis and a positive sign for Democrats in upcoming elections. Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC), termed the win an “earthquake” that challenges Republican dominance.
Tom Keen’s campaign focused on issues like affordable housing, abortion rights, environmental protection, and opposing book bans in schools. In contrast, Erika Booth campaigned against “Joe Biden’s Woke Agenda,” emphasizing the economy, education, immigration, election integrity, and constitutional rights.
High-profile endorsements played a role in this election, with Keen receiving support from figures like Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost, state House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, the Orlando Sentinel, and Planned Parenthood PAC. Booth garnered backing from organizations such as Associated Industries of Florida and Americans for Prosperity Action Florida.
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