Tuesday’s election had record wins for Black and Caribbean American candidates in South Florida but also some losses.
Current Broward County sheriff Gregory Tony has won the heavily competitive race and secured the Democratic nomination for the county’s top law enforcement position.
Tony will go head to head with Republican H. Wayne Clark in the Nov. 3 election.
Also back on the ballot in November is Jeff Holness, who will be in a runoff for the Broward School Board.
Harold Pryor faced tight competition in the race for Broward state attorney but prevailed. Brenda Forman and Gordon Weekes are claiming victory. Forman retained her seat as Broward County clerk of courts Tuesday, and Weekes propelled to county public defender.
Florida Rep. Shevrin Jones will now serve in the senate after his win for District 35, and Rep. Anika Omphroy secured her seat against challenger Jasmen Rogers-Shaw for District 95. Marie Woodson, Rep. Dotie Joseph and Christopher Benjamin also claimed victory in their statehouse races.
Republican nominee Carla Spalding will face off with Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Shultz in the November election.
House District 102 Candidate Dennis Hinds, Miami Gardens Mayoral Candidate Lavern Deer and Circuit Court Judge Vegina “Gina” Hawkins lost their election bids. Melba Pearson, candidate for Miami-Dade state attorney also counted her losses Tuesday night.
Still, County Court Judge Phoebee Francois retained her seat on the bench.
Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness won an overwhelming majority of the votes for his seat on the board, and former Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert III won a tight race for a seat on the Miami-Dade County dais. Marlon Hill was outvoted by his opponents for the Miami-Dade County Commission.
