A familiar face is returning to Tallahassee as Democrat Reggie Fullwood won a special election for the Florida House seat he was forced to vacate after he failed to make the ballot last year due to papers not being filed correctly.
With light turnout, Fullwood took 56 percent of the vote on Tuesday, beating Republican Lawrence Jeff Jefferson by almost 1,100 votes to take the seat which represents parts of Duval County.
I am honored that the people of District 13 have chosen me as their voice in Tallahassee, Fullwood said after his win. Hard-working Floridians deserve a fully-funded public education system for their children, a fair wage for a fair days work, and access to the highest quality health care for themselves and their families. I couldnt be more excited to get back to work fighting for my community!
Fullwood also won the praise of his partys leadership on Tuesday as he kept the seat, which is in a solidly Democratic district, in their column.
Floridians deserve representatives who value public education, believe in expanding access to affordable health care, and understand the importance of bringing home good-paying jobs, said Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Allison Tant. The people of District 13 will be well-served with Rep. Fullwood advocating on their behalf in Tallahassee and Im excited to welcome him back.
Its great to have Rep Fullwood back in the Florida House, said House Minority Leader Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach. He makes our caucus stronger with his presence and experience. Were glad hell be at the Capitol for the beginning of the legislative session to serve the people of Florida and his district.
Busting onto the Jacksonville political scene in 1999 when he was the youngest City Council member, Fullwood first came to Tallahassee after winning a House seat in 2010 and easily kept it two years later. He was cruising to a third term last year but was struck from the ballot since a notary failed to fully complete a financial disclosure form. Back in December, Fullwood beat Jacksonville City Councilman Johnny Gaffney in the special Democratic primary.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
