State Rep. Fiona McFarland, R-Sarasota, secured re-election in a heated state House race in the region. Meanwhile, several Republicans won election to the House for the first time in safe GOP seats.

“My biggest takeaway is people want to see a positive campaign and candidates talking about the future and what they will do, not what their opponent cannot do,” said McFarland, who took more than 56% of the vote over Democrat Derek Reich.

Reich raised more for his campaign than all but a handful of Democrats in the state challenging incumbents. “Tonight, the people I love and serve have spoken,” he said. “While I am deeply disappointed by the results, I respect our community’s decision.”

McFarland’s win means only Republicans will represent Sarasota or Manatee County in the Florida Legislature next year. In addition to Reps. James Buchanan, R-Venice, and Will Robinson, R-Bradenton, winning re-election, Republicans Michael Owen and Bill Conerly won seats covering parts of Manatee County and Republican Danny Nix secured a seat in south Sarasota County.

Another major win? Mike Moran, an outgoing Sarasota County Commissioner, unseated long-time Sarasota County Tax Collector Barbara Ford-Coates. Moran, a Republican, won just over 51% of the vote against the only Democrat holding countywide office.

In the city of Sarasota, incumbent City Commissioners Kyle Battie and Liz Alpert both won re-election to seats in Districts 1 and 2, but Kathy Kelley Ohlrich unseated City Commissioner Erik Arroyo in District 3.

In a Sarasota County-wide vote, more than 84% of voters supported renewing a school property tax. That renews a tax first authorized in 2002.

"This resounding victory is a testament to a community that appreciates the importance of a school system that prioritizes our incredible teachers and student achievement,” said Max Goodman, a political consultant who worked on the effort. “It was a great night for Sarasota County."

U.S. Reps. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, and Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, cruised to re-election. 

Four Republican candidates won seats on the Sarasota Hospital Board while Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown. Republicans running for Manatee County Commission cruised to General Election wins, but all had won big GOP Primary wins in August against a sitting conservative majority. Charlie Kennedy won his old seat on the Manatee County School Board.