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NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — PoliticsNovember 4, 2026Hillsborough County

Florida Republicans projected to lose House supermajority and face tight Senate margins

Photo: WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — Politics

Republicans are poised to drop approximately 15 seats and lose their supermajority in the Florida House while maintaining a narrow advantage, and the Senate supermajority remains uncertain amid close races. The shift impacts legislative procedures such as overriding gubernatorial vetoes and bypassing rules, which require a two-thirds vote.

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Read the full story at WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — Politics

Why It Matters

The loss of a legislative alters the threshold for passing major decisions, constitutional changes, and veto overrides, requiring bipartisan support or altered negotiation tactics in the Florida Legislature.

Key Facts

  • Republicans are projected to lose about 15 seats and their supermajority in the Florida House.
  • The Florida House requires 80 seats for a supermajority, previously holding 82 seats alongside 34 Democrats and 4 vacancies.
  • The Florida Senate requires 27 seats for a supermajority and entered Tuesday with 26 Republicans, 12 Democrats, 1 independent, and 1 vacancy.
  • Democrat John Lowndes led Republican Sen. Jason Brodeur in the Senate contest.
  • Several incumbent House members faced potential defeat, including Chad Johnson, Monique Miller, Erika Booth, Rachel Plakon, Danny Alvarez, Meg Weinberger, Hillary Cassel, Fabian Basabe, Doug Bankson, and Hilary Holley.
  • Monique Miller's race against Daniel McDow appeared close enough to trigger a potential recount.
  • Republican Jon Maples was poised to win the District 87 seat along Palm Beach County's east coast.
  • Senate President-designate Jim Boyd secured victory, and Sen. Alexis Calatayud appeared set to win another term.
  • Democrats retained District 14 in Hillsborough County following a March special election won by Sen. Brian Nathan.

Who's Mentioned

PersonRachel Plakon“Incumbent House member from Lake Mary”PersonBrian Nathan“Democratic Senator who picked up District 14 in March”PersonEmily Gregory“Representative from Jupiter”PersonChad Johnson“Incumbent House member from Chiefland set for defeat”PersonAlexis Calatayud“Republican Senator from Miami”PersonDonald Trump“President associated with Mar-a-Lago estate”PersonChristine Hunschofsky“Florida House Democratic Leader-designate”PersonErika Booth“Incumbent House member from St. Cloud”PersonFabian Basabe“Incumbent House member from Miami Beach”PersonJohn Lowndes“Mayor of Maitland and Democratic candidate running ahead in Senate race”PersonByron Donalds“Governor-elect”PersonDaniel McDow“Democratic candidate facing Monique Miller”PersonHilary Holley“Incumbent House member from Polk City”PersonJosie Tomkow“Former state Representative rerunning for seat”PersonDoug Bankson“Incumbent House member from Apopka”PersonBryan Avila“Former Senator whose seat remains open”PersonMeg Weinberger“Incumbent House member from Palm Beach Gardens”PersonJason Brodeur“Republican Senator from Sanford”PersonHeather Williams“Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President”PersonMonique Miller“Incumbent House member from Palm Bay”PersonJim Boyd“Senate President-designate, Republican from Bradenton”PersonDanny Alvarez“Incumbent House member from Hillsborough County”PersonJay Collins“Lieutenant Governor”PersonJon Maples“Republican candidate poised to win District 87”OrganizationDemocratic Legislative Campaign Committee“Washington, D.C.-based political committee”PersonHillary Cassel“Incumbent House member from Dania Beach who changed party affiliation”