Incumbent Republican Greg Steube beat out Democratic Andrea Kale for the seat representing Florida's 17th congressional district, which includes parts of Sarasota, Charlotte and northeast Lee counties.
In state House District 73, which covers coastal Sarasota, a school teacher lost his bid to unseat incumbent Republican Fiona McFarland, a Navy veteran and former business consultant.
Derek Reich, a 27-year-old government teacher at Sarasota High, ran on a platform of promoting a fair civics curriculum in classrooms.
Sarasota County voters also approved the extension of a 1 percent sales tax, which will apply to purchases under $5,000. The penny tax is added to the state's 6 percent sales tax.
County officials say about a quarter of the tax revenue is generated by tourists, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Here are the results of key races in Sarasota County:
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State House of Representatives
District 73:
- McFarland, Fiona (REP) - 56.43%
- Reich, Derek (DEM) - 44.57%
County Commissioner, District 2
- Mark Smith (REP) - 50.72%
- Fredd "Glossie" Atkins (DEM) - 49.28%
County Commissioner, District 4
- Joseph Neunder (REP) - 59.5%
- Daniel Kuether (DEM) - 40.5%
County Referendum
Continue 1-Cent Sales Tax for Local Improvements
- Yes - 77.92%
- No - 22.08%
Voters approved a penny sales tax to improve public safety, protect water quality and the environment, reduce traffic congestion, and fund projects relating to local schools, parks, libraries, and other community needs.
