Amanda Murphy Beats Bill Gunter in Close Contest

The Democrats picked up a seat in the Florida House on Tuesday as Amanda Murphy, a vice president with Raymond James, defeated Republican Bill Gunter, a pastor, in a close contest for the open seat representing parts of Pasco County.

The seat had been filled by Rep. Mike Fasano who was appointed by Gov. Rick Scott to be Pasco County tax collector. Despite being a Republican, Fasano endorsed Murphy over Gunter.

With 94 percent of the precincts in, Murphy had 51 percent and Gunter had 49 percent. However, Gunter called Murphy to concede on Tuesday night.