John Thrasher Holds off Charles Perniciaro in GOP Primary

Sen. John Thrasher of Jacksonville, the chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, held off a primary challenge from Dr. Charles Perniciaro on the First Coast.

I am honored and humbled that the voters of Northeast Florida have, once again, chosen me to be the Republican candidate for Senate District 8, said Thrasher.I am particularly grateful to my volunteers, my friends and my family for their steadfast commitment to my campaign.I could not have achieved victory tonight without the hard work and dedication of these individuals, and for that I am truly thankful.

Tonight is just the first step to victory in November, said Thrasher. And, I am ready to debate the tough issues that face Northeast Florida during the general election. My campaign will maintain its same focus of keeping your taxes low, reducing wasteful government spending and growing our job base and local economy, as well as improving our childrens education and preserving the St. Johns River and our beautiful beaches.

With more than 31,000 votes counted, Thrasher pulled 64 percent. He will face longtime Jacksonville news anchor Deborah Gianoulis, the Democrat in the race, come November.

The incoming leaders of the Legislature cheered the results.

John Thrasher is clearly the right person to continue serving the people of State Senate District 8 at this critical time in our states history, said incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island. Hell continue working to keep taxes low, grow our job base and to improve our childrens education.

Senator Thrashers legacy of conservative leadership in the Florida House has continued during his service in the Florida Senate and through this commitment to lead our party through this trying time, said incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park. I am honored to congratulate him on tonights victory and look forward to celebrating his re-election in November.

Time and time again Chairman Thrasher answers yes to the call to public service and to the need for principled leadership within our party, said Debbie Cox Roush, vice chairwoman of the RPOF. We are honored to have him as the chairman of our great party and the people of Senate District 8 are incredibly fortunate to have his voice in Tallahassee.