Instant
Mar 28, 2026

Republicans Secure Special Election Victory as Democrats Come Up Short Despite Major Push

🚹 GOP HOLDS THE LINE IN FLORID

A — DEMS FALL SHORT AGAIN

Republican Hilary Holley just delivered a decisive win, defeating Democrat Edwin PĂ©rez in the high-stakes Special Election for Florida House District 51 — crushing Democrat hopes for a Midterm pickup.

With nearly all votes counted, Holley surged to ~55%, keeping the seat firmly in Republican hands.

đŸ”„ A Race Democrats Wanted — But Couldn’t Take

The Polk County-based district had been on Democrats’ radar as a potential flip amid economic concerns. But despite the buzz, Republicans held strong.

Holley now replaces term-limited GOP Rep. Josie Tomkow, continuing the party’s grip on a district that includes Polk City, Davenport, Haines City, Lake Alfred, and Auburndale.

📊 Money Talks — And It Wasn’t Close

Holley: $122K+ raised + massive GOP-backed support

Pérez: Just $13K raised + minimal outside help

The funding gap told the story before Election Day even arrived.

💬 Republicans Celebrate BIG

House Speaker-designate Sam Garrison didn’t hold back:

“Voters chose the far superior candidate.”

Holley also locked in key endorsements from major Florida Republicans — giving her campaign serious momentum from the start.

đŸŒŸ From Agriculture Leader to State Lawmaker

Holley, currently leading the Florida FFA Foundation, has worked with 65,000+ students statewide and brings deep roots in agriculture and public service.

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