Laurel Lee

U.S. Rep. Laurel Lee kept her District 15 seat by defeating Democratic opponent Pat Kemp. Rep. Scott Franklin (District 18) and Rep. Daniel Webster (District 11) also were victorious.

Despite concerns they would compete for voter approval, referendums to increase property taxes and renew the Community Investment Tax both passed and will benefit public schools.

Pasco voters easily reapproved the Penny for Pasco tax referendum that has been in effect for 18 years and has generated $1 billion for county school improvements and other government expenses.

Kathy Castor will retain her U.S. House of Representatives seat, and a Hillsborough County Transportation tax failed to pass.

Several incumbents won easily, including Republicans Vern Buchanan and Gus Bilirakis.

Lee emerged from a crowded field that included state Sen. Kelli Stargel and state Rep. Jackie Toledo.

Laurel Lee, a former Hillsborough Circuit Court judge, is reportedly considering a run for Congress.

In a response, attorneys for Secretary of State Laurel Lee say keeping the current sprawling configuration of District 5 would violate the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a redistricting plan that lawmakers passed. During the special session, the Republican-dominated House and Senate passed a map that DeSantis’ office proposed.

Secretary of State Laurel Lee filed a motion Friday in U.S. district court in Tallahassee seeking a stay of a federal lawsuit filed March 11 by the groups Common Cause Florida and FairDistricts Now and five voters.

A number of other groups filed a series of lawsuits challenging the measure (SB 90), passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature this spring as part of GOP leaders’ nationwide attempts to make it more difficult for people to vote by mail.