In a rare bright spot for her party on Tuesday, Democrat Gwen Graham defeated U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland, R-Fla., in a very competitive congressional race in North Florida.
With all votes in, Graham, the daughter of former Gov. and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, D-Fla., took 50.4 percent of the vote while Southerland pulled in 49.6 percent of the vote. When the smoke cleared, Graham won by 2,200 votes.
Graham showcased her father on the campaign trail but also relied on some major Democratic leaders, including former President Bill Clinton and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla. Trying to claim the political middle, Graham attacked Washington as dysfunctional and even said she will not back U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., to be House speaker. Southerland fired back, noting Graham worked for then-U.S. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., and former Gov. Howard Dean, D-Vt., in the 2004 presidential election and tried to tie her to President Barack Obama and Pelosi.
After winning on Tuesday, Graham continued her bipartisan theme.
In Congress, I will work with Republicans and Democrats in order to provide economic development for our district while protecting what is most important to Florida, Graham insisted after her win. I promise I will always do all I can to make North Florida proud.
I couldnt be more proud of the campaign weve run, Southerland said after his loss. We fought hard, remained focused on the issues, and always put our North and Northwest Florida values first. While the results certainly werent what we hoped for, I congratulate Gwen Graham and wish her the best. I am committed to doing all I can to ensure the smooth transition our constituents deserve.
Ive shaken a lot of hands and hugged a lot of necks over the last four years, Southerland added. While I dont know what God has in store for me next, I know Ill treasure these relationships forever. Other than the successes of my marriage and my family, serving the people of Floridas 2nd District has been the greatest honor of my life.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
