The Florida Democratic Party has sent out a victory message congratulating Patrick Murphy for defeating U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Palm Beach Gardens, but the numbers say that may be a little premature since ballots remained uncounted.
Otherwise, Democrats did make some inroads into the GOPs grasp on Floridas congressional delegation, which added two seats because of its population growth over the past decade.
Ethically challenged David Rivera, R-Miami, couldnt hold on to his congressional seat against the Democrat he's defeated before, Joe Garcia. But U.S. Reps. Steve Southerland, R-Panama City, Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, and Daniel Webster, R-Orlando, held off strong challenges in often contentious campaigns.
The Republicans will have three freshmen in the next Congress: Ron Desantis, large animal doctor Ted Yoho, and radio host Trey Radel who takes the seat of Rep. Connie Mack, R-Naples. Democrats Lois Frankel and former Rep. Alan Grayson, a Democrat from Orlando, also claimed open seats Tuesday.
The following incumbents comfortably retained their seats on Tuesday: Reps. Jeff Miller, R-Chumuckla; Ander Crenshaw, R-Jacksonville; Corrine Brown, D-Jacksonville; John Mica, R-Winter Garden; Bill Posey, R-Rockledge; Richard Nugent, R-Spring Hill; Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor; C.W. Bill Young, R-Indian Shores; Kathy Castor, D-Tampa; Tom Rooney, R-Charlotte; Alcee Hastings, D-Miramar; Ted Deutch, D-Boca Raton; Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston; Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami; and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Miami.
The West-Murphy contest was called by NBC just before 1:30 a.m. At 2:40 a.m., Murphy held a 159,959 to 157,578 advantage.
Provisional ballots in Martin and St. Lucie counties had yet to be completed. Palm Beach County reported a single district remain uncounted.
Calling Murphy a rising star, Florida Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith declared that the voters of District 18, which includes Martin, St. Lucie and northern Palm Beach counties, rejected divisive, hateful rhetoric in favor of a fresh-faced, bipartisan approach centered around the issues important to Floridas middle class families.
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.
