Republican voters in eastern Hillsborough County are sending a familiar face into the general election and most likely back to Tallahassee in the GOP leaning State Senate District 24. Tom Lee, a former Florida senate president, beat his GOP challenger state Rep. Rachel Burgin in a bitter primary battle.
It’s been six years since Tom Lee served in Tallahassee and he’s anxious to return with a more seasoned, statesmanlike perspective.
“I feel like I have a fresh perspective on governance and what’s important. I do think there’s been a lot of selfishness and a lot of politics are driven by ego,” Lee said adding that his goal, should he return to the legislature, will be to unite Republicans.
When asked if he would run for Senate President again, Lee said it was a “definite maybe.”
“I’ve found if you just try to do what’s right, be principled and selfless and help others succeed, being a leader is about being a servant not a dictator and I’m going to go with that in mind and let the chips fall where they may,” Lee said.
He faces Democrat Elizabeth Belcher and a write-in candidate in the general election.
