Curt Clawson Wins Republican Primary in CD 19

Republicans in Southwest Florida hit the polls on Tuesday to find a replacement for former U.S. Rep. Trey Radel, R-Fla., and selected businessman Curt Clawson who prevailed over Florida Senate Majority Leader Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, former state Rep. Paige Kreegel and conservative activist Michael Dreikorn in the primary. Radel resigned earlier this year after pleading guilty to cocaine possession.

With most votes in -- all early ballots counted, 92 percent of votes cast in Collier County on Election Day and 77 percent of those cast in Lee County on Tuesday -- Clawson led with 38 percent, more than 26,000 votes. Benacquisto was in second with 26 percent, 17,673 votes. Kreegel stood in third with 25 percent, 17,324 votes. Dreikorn lagged behind with 11 percent, 7,435 votes.

Clawson will take on Democrat April Freeman and Libertarian Ray Netherwood in the special general election on June 24. The district breaks heavily for Republicans and Clawson starts off the general election as a strong favorite.