2018 Florida General Election Results

Report provided by Amy J. Young, FSP Legislative Consultant, Managing Partner, Ballard Partners

Tuesday night was a great night for the candidates that we, with your help, supported financially. The vast majority of incumbents in the Senate and House were also successful. 

Even with a handful of races still undecided, as they are currently within the margin for a manual recount, it is certain that the current Republican majority, including the Cabinet, State Senate, and State House, will be maintained in Florida. For the first time since 2011, a new slate of agency heads and staff changes at every level will be transitioned in.

Below is a brief summary of last night’s election results in Florida and how they impact the executive and legislative branches. New Cabinet officers:

• Ron DeSantis, Governor
• Ashley Moody, Attorney General
• Jimmy Patronis, Chief Financial Officer
• Matt Caldwell, Commissioner of Agriculture

As of this morning, the Commissioner of Agriculture is subject to a possible automatic recount with Matt Caldwell (R) leading Nikki Fried (D) by 12,399 votes. (The decision on recounts will not be made until after the First Unofficial Returns deadline on Saturday, November 10).

In the Senate, we supported 21 incumbent and first-time candidates in their election bids. The only Senate race that we supported was for the incumbent Senate Health Care Chairman, Senator Dana Young and that race is going to a recount in Tampa. In the House, we were 100% successful in our contributions.

The following is a snap shot of the two chambers, in which the balance of power has not changed. The House will now consist of 71 Republicans and 47 Democrats with 2 races undecided as of today; a net increase of 6 Democrats from the 2018 Session. The Senate will consist of 23 Republicans and 16 Democrats with 1 race undecided.

Along with an entirely new executive branch, there will be several new members in both legislative chambers. When the Florida Legislature begins work at its Organizational Session on November 20, there will be at least 8 new Senators and 35 new Representatives.  

We appreciate the trust you put in us and we look forward to working with you to ensure continued success in this new era.