In a special election for Florida State House District 35, Democrat Tom Keen, a businessman, and former Navy flight officer, defeated Republican Erika Booth, who sits on the Osceola County School Board.
Unofficial final results showed Keen winning 51.33% of the vote, compared to 48.67 for Booth, with all precincts reporting and only 36 mail-in votes unprocessed. In an email to campaign followers and donors, Keen expressed his gratitude for the election that wasn’t highly publicized and overshadowed by the national coverage of Iowa Caucus results.
“I am honored and humbled to announce that I am now your State House District 35 Representative!” Keen said “This victory is not just mine; it is OURS! It belongs to every single one of you who believed in our vision, stood by our side, and put your trust in our campaign. Together, we have shown the power of unity, determination, and a shared commitment to a better future.”
The special election win marks one of few bright spots for the Florida Democratic Party, which lost the vast majority of state and federal races during the 2022 Election. Florida Republicans have controlled the state house since 1996, and added to their margin when former Gov. Jeb Bush was elected in 1998.
