Jim Norman Beats Kevin Ambler in State Senate Race

With more than 32,000 votes counted, Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman claimed 55 percent of the vote to defeat Rep. Kevin Ambler, R-Tampa, in the Republican primary for the Senate seat held by Sen. Victor Crist, R-Tampa.

I am humbled and truly honored by the support from my community and neighbors. From the very beginning, I focused my campaign on my platform, my stance on public policy, and my record as a reformer who has delivered for his constituents, said Norman . My wife and I have dedicated our lives to public service and giving back to our community and we look forward to another victory in November and being able to continue to impact public policy and be stewards for positive change for our hometown.

Throughout this campaign, I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and encouragement that I have received from fellow Republicans, business leaders and community leaders," added Norman. "I also want to thank former Governor Jeb Bush, Incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos and Senator Don Gaetz for their support throughout this campaign. Our campaign was won by shaking every hand, knocking on thousands of doors and meeting face-to-face with the voters of district 12. They spoke and I listened, which is exactly how I will conduct myself as a State Senator with an open mind and an open door. I thank you all for your vote and celebrate this victory with you tonight.

I congratulate Jim Norman on his victory tonight, and look forward to another victory for Jim in the general election in November, said Haridopolos. Jim has run a good race based on his resume of accomplishments and proven reform, his record of being pro-business and anti-tax, and his vision for the future of Senate District 12. At the end of the day, it was hard work and good old-fashioned campaigning that helped Jim deliver this victory.