Jolly defeats challengers for nomination in Florida
January 15, 2014
Tampa Bay, Florida: Republican David Jolly defeated challengers Mark Binder and state Rep. Kathleen Peters in a race that was called in his favor less than an hour after polls closed yesterday. He won with almost 45 percent of the total votes, according to unofficial election results.[1] The special election is being held to fill the vacancy left by the death of Rep. C.W. Bill Young (R).[2]
On October 9, 2013, Young announced that he would retire at the end of his term in 2014.[3] He cited several factors as to why he chose not to run for re-election, including his health and his desire to spend more time with his family.[3] On October 17, 2013, Young's family released a statement announcing that he was "gravely ill."[4] "U.S. Rep. C. W. Bill Young's condition turned for the worse over night and he is gravely ill," the family said. "His doctors say his prognosis is guarded."[4] Young died on October 18, 2013, following complications resulting from a chronic injury.[5] At the time of his death, Young was the longest serving House Republican.[6][7]
Under Florida law, Governor Rick Scott (R) had no authority to appoint a replacement, but called a special election to fill Young's seat.[8][9]
C.W. Bill Young's widow, Beverly Young, endorsed David Jolly at his campaign kickoff event on November 7, 2013. She announced that her late husband asked Jolly to run for his seat.[10][11][12]
Jolly will face Alex Sink (D), Lucas Overby (L) and write-in candidate Michael Levinson in the special general election on March 11, 2014.[13] Sink is viewed as a formidable challenger, having raised around $1.1 million since joining the race in October 2013. She has already gained the backing of several top Democratic groups, including the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and EMILY’s List.[14][15] During the same time period, Jolly reported $388,000 raised. Jolly has received notable contributions from Wayne Berman, a Republican lobbyist, and retired game show host Bob Barker.[15]
The special election is expected to cost just over $1 million-- $458,668 for the Republican primary and $604,021 for the general election.[13] The cost would have been higher had a Democratic primary been necessary.[13]
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 David Jolly |
44.6% | 20,337 | ||
| Kathleen Peters | 31% | 14,120 | ||
| Mark Bircher | 24.5% | 11,158 | ||
| Total Votes | 45,615 | |||
| Source: Unofficial results via Associated Press[16] |
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See also
|
- Florida's 13th congressional district special election, 2014
- Florida's 13th congressional district
- Florida elections, 2014
- United States House of Representatives
- Special elections to the 113th United States Congress (2013-2014)
- Florida's 13th congressional district elections, 2014
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Associated Press, "January 14 Election Results," accessed January 14, 2014
- ↑ Washington Post, "David Jolly wins GOP nomination in Florida special election," accessed January 14, 2014
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Tampa Bay Times, "U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young to retire, won't seek re-election in 2014," accessed October 9, 2013
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Washington Post, "Rep. Bill Young is ‘gravely ill’," accessed October 17, 2013
- ↑ CNN.com, "Rep. Bill Young, longest-serving GOP member in House, dies at age 82," accessed October 18, 2013
- ↑ Politico, "Bill Young, longest-serving House Republican, dies," accessed October 18, 2013
- ↑ Tampa Bay Times, "U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young's death leaves political void," accessed October 21, 2013
- ↑ Reuters.com, "Rep. Bill Young, longest serving Republican in U.S. Congress, dead at 82," accessed October 24, 2013
- ↑ Tampa Bay Times, "With Rep. C.W. Bill Young's death, Pinellas a bellwether for 2014," accessed October 24, 2013
- ↑ The Hill, "Bill Young's widow says Young asked Jolly to run," accessed November 11, 2013
- ↑ The Hill, "Drama roils race to replace Rep. Bill Young," accessed January 13, 2014
- ↑ Politico, "Kathleen Peters splits Bill Young family," accessed January 14, 2014
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 Tampa Bay Weekly, "Three candidates running in Republican primary," accessed January 12, 2014
- ↑ Politico, "David Jolly wins GOP primary in Florida," accessed January 14, 2014
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Politico, "Fla.’s Alex Sink dominating cash race vs. GOP," accessed January 6, 2014
- ↑ Associated Press, "U.S. House Florida January 14 election," accessed January 14, 2014
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