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Florida's 2nd Congressional District elections, 2014

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U.S. House, Florida District 2 General Election, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngGwen Graham 50.5% 126,096
     Republican Steve Southerland Incumbent 49.3% 123,262
     Write-in Luther Lee 0.2% 422
Total Votes 249,780
Source: Florida Division of Elections


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Florida's 2nd Congressional District
General Election Date
November 4, 2014
Primary Date
August 26, 2014
November 4 Election Winner:
Gwen Graham Democratic Party
Incumbent prior to election:
Steve Southerland II Republican Party
Steve Southerland II.jpg
Race Ratings
Cook Political Report: Toss Up[1]

Sabato's Crystal Ball: Lean R[2]

Fairvote's Monopoly Politics: Likely R[3]
Florida U.S. House Elections
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2014 U.S. Senate Elections
2014 U.S. House Elections
Flag of Florida.png

The 2nd Congressional District of Florida held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 4, 2014.

SimmeringRace.jpg

Gwen Graham (D) won election to the seat, defeating incumbent Steve Southerland II (R). Southerland sought re-election to his third term in 2014.[4]

House Majority PAC, a Democratic Super PAC, listed Southerland as one of their top 10 targets in 2014.[5] Also, Democrats had an advantage in this district with a 21 percent registration edge over the Republicans.[6]

Candidate Filing Deadline Primary Election General Election
May 2, 2014
August 26, 2014
November 4, 2014

Primary: A primary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate that they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election. They are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders. Primaries are state-level and local-level elections that take place prior to a general election. Florida utilizes a closed primary process, in which the selection of a party's candidates in an election is limited to registered party members.[7][8]

For information about which offices are nominated via primary election, see this article.

Voter registration: To vote in the primary, voters had to register by July 28, 2014. For the general election, the voter registration deadline was October 6, 2014.[9]

See also: Florida elections, 2014

Incumbent: Heading into the election the incumbent was Steve Southerland II (R), who was first elected in 2010.

As of the 2010 redistricting cycle, Florida's 2nd Congressional District consisted of the eastern part of the Florida Panhandle. It included the counties of Washington, Jackson, Bay, Gulf, Franklin, Calhoun, Liberty, Wakulla, Taylor, Lafayette, Suwannee, Gilchrist, Dixie, and Levy and parts of Marion, Leon, Jefferson, Holmes, and Columbia counties.[10]

Candidates

General election candidates


August 26, 2014, primary results

Republican Party Republican Primary

Democratic Party Democratic Primary

Grey.png Third Party Candidates

Withdrew prior to primary

Election results

U.S. House, Florida District 2 General Election, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngGwen Graham 50.5% 126,096
     Republican Steve Southerland Incumbent 49.3% 123,262
     Write-in Luther Lee 0.2% 422
Total Votes 249,780
Source: Florida Division of Elections

Race background

House Majority PAC, a Democratic Super PAC, listed Southerland as one of their top 10 targets in 2014.[5] Also, Democrats had an advantage in this district with a 21 percent registration edge over the Republicans.[6]

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) launched a new program in May 2013, dubbed the Jumpstart program, aimed at cultivating strong candidates in targeted districts for the 2014 elections.[14]

The Jumpstart program set out to “provide early financial, communications, operational and strategic support to help top-tier candidates get a head start in these highly-targeted races,” according to a memo sent to donors and supporters.[14] Eight Democrats were initially included on a list for the program, including Gwen Graham, daughter of former Florida Gov. and Sen. Bob Graham.[14]

Polls

General election match-up: Southerland v. Graham
Poll Steve Southerland (R) Gwen Graham (D)UndecidedMargin of ErrorSample Size
Pathfinder Opinion Research
August 11-12, 2014
 43%45%11%+/-4.4500
Anzalone Liszt Grove Research
March 2-6, 2014
 42%40%18%+/-4.4500
Public Policy Polling
October 21-22, 2013
 41%44%15%+/-3.2965
Clarity Campaign Labs
August 27-28, 2013
 44%42%14%+/-2.851,152
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org

Media

NRCC's August 2014 ad, "The DC Way."
House Majority PAC's October 2013 video, "Their Games."

NRCC

See also: National Republican Congressional Committee

The National Republican Congressional Committee released an ad, "The DC Way," attacking Gwen Graham on August 12, 2014.[15]

“Gwen Graham is trying to deceive voters into thinking she is focused on North Florida. In reality, Gwen has taken thousands of dollars from Nancy Pelosi and has promised to be complacent in the battle against bad policies like Obamacare. One thing is very clear – Gwen Graham’s liberal politics are not the North Florida way.” said NRCC spokeswoman Katie Prill.[15]

House Majority PAC

See also: House Majority PAC

House Majority PAC launched a $70,000 ad buy against Steve Southerland in October 2013, saying he “should be ashamed” of supporting the shutdown.[16]

The ad also accused Southerland of playing politics by choosing economic turmoil, elimination of retirement accounts and job losses over a bipartisan plan to reopen the government and save the country from becoming a “deadbeat” on its bills.[16]

“Steve Southerland’s reckless Tea Party government shutdown cost our economy $24 billion, yet rather than back a bipartisan plan to end this manmade debacle, Southerland actually voted to drive our nation off an economic cliff,” House Majority PAC Communications Director Andy Stone said in a press release. "The jobs, retirement accounts and wellbeing of families, seniors and veterans in north and northwest Florida apparently didn’t merit Steve Southerland’s concern – even though Southerland was still getting his taxpayer-funded salary.”[16]

Americans for Prosperity

See also: Americans for Prosperity
Americans for Prosperity's October 2013 ad, "Steve Southerland is Fighting for Us."
Americans for Prosperity February 2014 ad, "Steve Southerland Didn't Fall for the Lie of the Year."
Americans for Prosperity April 2014 ad, "Steve Southerland Puts Us First."

The group Americans for Prosperity released several ads in 2013, including one thanking Steve Southerland for opposing the Affordable Care Act, highlighting the glitches on the new health-care exchange website.[17] The ads were part of a multi-wave campaign totaling more than $2 million.[17]

The group released a second ad in February 2014, "Steve Southerland Didn't Fall for the Lie of the Year," which cast Southerland as a steadfast opponent of Obamacare. It ran for three weeks in the district and cost an estimated $160,000.[18][19]

The group released another ad on April 1, 2014, that again thanked Southerland for his opposition to Obamacare.[20] The ad asserted the law was not working, but did not mention repeal.[20]

Key votes

Below are important votes the former incumbent cast during the 113th Congress.

Government affairs

HR 676

See also: Boehner's lawsuit against the Obama administration

Yea3.png On July 30, 2014, the U.S. House approved a resolution 225 to 201 to sue President Barack Obama for exceeding his constitutional authority. Five Republicans—Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Paul Broun of Georgia, Scott Garrett of New Jersey, Walter Jones of North Carolina and Steve Stockman of Texas—voted with Democrats against the lawsuit.[21] Southerland joined the other 224 Republicans in favor of the lawsuit. All Democrats voted against the resolution.[22][23]

Economy

Government shutdown

See also: United States budget debate, 2013

Yea3.png On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.[24] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.[25] Steve Southerland II voted to approve the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.[26]

Nay3.png The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.[27] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Steve Southerland II voted against HR 2775.[28]

Endorsements

Steve Southerland

Steve Southerland was endorsed by the FRC Action PAC, the political action committee affiliated with Family Research Council Action.[29]

He also received endorsements from:

Gwen Graham

Gwen Graham (D) was endorsed by the Blue Dog PAC on February 25, 2014.[31]

She also received endorsements from:

Campaign contributions

Steve Southerland

Former vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan (R) attended a December 2013 fundraiser for Steve Southerland (R).[48] The event was held at Panama City-businessman J. Carey Scott III’s home.[48]

Gwen Graham

Cleave Drummond

District history

Candidate ballot access
Ballot Access Requirements Final.jpg
Find detailed information on ballot access requirements in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

2012

On November 6, 2012, Steve Southerland II (R) won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Alfred Lawson and Floyd Patrick Miller in the general election.

U.S. House, Florida District 2 General Election, 2012
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngSteve Southerland II Incumbent 52.7% 175,856
     Democratic Al Lawson 47.2% 157,634
     Independent Floyd Patrick Miller 0.1% 228
Total Votes 333,718
Source: Florida Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

2010

On November 2, 2010, Steve Southerland II won election to the United States House. He defeated Allen Boyd (D), Paul C. McKain (I), Dianne Berryhill (I) and Ray Netherwood (I) in the general election.[61]

U.S. House, Florida District 2 General Election, 2010
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngSteve Southerland II 53.6% 136,371
     Democratic Allen Boyd incumbent 41.4% 105,211
     Independent Paul C. McKain 2.8% 7,135
     Independent Dianne Berryhill 2.2% 5,705
     Independent Ray Netherwood 0% 16
Total Votes 254,438

See also

External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Cook Political Report, "2014 HOUSE RACE RATINGS FOR June 26, 2014," accessed August 5, 2014
  2. ↑ Sabato's Crystal Ball, "2014 House Races," accessed August 5, 2014
  3. ↑ Fairvote, "FairVote Releases Projections for the 2014 Congressional Elections," accessed August 5, 2014
  4. ↑ The Huffington Post, "Election 2014," November 4, 2014
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Sunshine State News "Democratic Super PAC Targets Steve Southerland" accessed March 8, 2013
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Sunshine State News "Florida Congressional Races 2014 Early Look Where Fur will Fly" accessed March 8, 2013
  7. ↑ The Florida Senate, "Fla. Stat. § 101.021," accessed October 20, 2025
  8. ↑ The Florida Senate, "Fla. Stat. § 97.055," accessed October 20, 2025
  9. ↑ Florida Division of Elections Website, "Register to Vote," accessed January 3, 2014
  10. ↑ United States Census Bureau, "Congressional Districts of the 116th Congress of the United States," accessed March 14, 2020
  11. ↑ Miami Herald, "In daughter's Congress bid, Bob Graham co-host's big-name fundraiser at Brian Ballard home," accessed May 10, 2013
  12. ↑ Luther Lee for Congress, "Home," accessed February 11, 2014
  13. ↑ Florida Elections Division, "List of Candidates," accessed May 5, 2014
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Roll Call "Democrats Launch New Program for House Recruits" accessed May 10, 2013
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 NRCC, "NRCC Releases New TV Ad Hitting Gwen Graham," accessed August 13, 2014
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Saint Peters Blog, "House Majority PAC launches new TV ad against incumbent Steve Southerland," accessed October 21, 2013
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Washington Post, "Conservative group launches House ads hitting Obamacare Web site glitches," accessed October 24, 2013
  18. ↑ Politico, "AFP boosts vulnerable Steve Southerland," accessed February 10, 2014
  19. ↑ The Hill, "http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/house-races/197430-koch-backed-group-buys-150k-in-southerland-district," accessed February 10, 2014
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Tampa Bay Times, "Americans for Prosperity launches ad thanking Southerland for Obamacare opposition," accessed April 2, 2014
  21. ↑ U.S. House, "House Resolution 676," accessed July 30, 2014
  22. ↑ Associated Press, "Suing Obama: GOP-led House gives the go-ahead," July 31, 2014
  23. ↑ Washington Post, "House clears way for lawsuit against Obama," accessed July 30, 2014
  24. ↑ Clerk of the U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013
  25. ↑ Buzzfeed, "Government Shutdown: How We Got Here," accessed October 1, 2013
  26. ↑ Clerk of the U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013
  27. ↑ The Washington Post, "Reid, McConnell propose bipartisan Senate bill to end shutdown, extend borrowing," accessed October 16, 2013
  28. ↑ U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 550," accessed October 31, 2013
  29. ↑ FRC Action, "FRC Action PAC Endorses Steve Southerland for Congress (FL-2)," accessed August 13, 2014
  30. ↑ HUCK PAC, "Steve Southerland," accessed August 13, 2014
  31. ↑ Washington Post, "Centrist Dem ‘Blue Dogs’ endorse trio of House candidates," accessed February 26, 2014
  32. ↑ WCTV, "Senator Bill Nelson Endorses Gwen Graham for Congress," accessed August 13, 2014
  33. ↑ Emily's List, "Gwen Graham," accessed August 13, 2014
  34. ↑ 4D PAC, "4D PAC Endorses Gwen Graham for Congress in FL-02," accessed August 13, 2014
  35. ↑ News Herald, "Firefighters union endorses Gwen Graham," accessed August 13, 2014
  36. ↑ Team LPAC, "2014 endorsements," accessed August 13, 2014
  37. ↑ Tallahassee.com, "Gwen Graham to get NEA endorsement," accessed August 13, 2014
  38. ↑ Florida AFL CIO, "Endorsements," accessed August 13, 2014
  39. ↑ Committee for a Livable Future, "Candidates," accessed August 13, 2014
  40. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "April Quarterly" accessed July 18, 2013
  41. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "July Quarterly" accessed July 18, 2013
  42. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "October Quarterly," accessed October 23, 2013
  43. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Year End," accessed January 27, 2014
  44. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "April Quarterly," accessed April 19, 2014
  45. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Steve Southerland July Quarterly," accessed September 30, 2014
  46. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Steve Southerland Pre-Primary," accessed September 30, 2014
  47. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Steve Southerland October Quarterly," accessed October 20, 2014
  48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 The News Herald, "U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan to attend Southerland fundraiser," accessed January 28, 2014
  49. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "July Quarterly" accessed July 29, 2013
  50. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "October Quarterly," accessed November 4, 2013
  51. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Year End Report," accessed February 19, 2014
  52. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "April Quarterly," accessed April 28, 2014
  53. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Gwen Graham July Quarterly," accessed September 30, 2014
  54. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Gwen Graham Pre-Primary," accessed September 30, 2014
  55. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Gwen Graham October Quarterly," accessed October 22, 2014
  56. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "April Quarterly" accessed July 29, 2013
  57. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "July Quarterly" accessed July 29, 2013
  58. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "October Quarterly," accessed November 4, 2013
  59. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Year End Report," accessed February 19, 2014
  60. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "April Quarterly," accessed April 28, 2014
  61. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed March 28, 2013
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