NewsCreative Loafing Tampa Bay — NewsAugust 23, 2026Hillsborough
Luis Salazar defeats Mike Suarez in Florida State House nomination race
Luis Salazar won the nomination for the Florida State House, defeating incumbent candidate Mike Suarez. The election results reflect a broader trend in the district where several candidates attempting political comebacks, including Cindy Stuart, Wengay Newton, and Sally Harris Williamson, were unsuccessful.
Read the full story at Creative Loafing Tampa Bay — NewsWhy It Matters
The outcome determines the candidate representing the party in the upcoming Florida State House election and signals a shift in voter preference away from candidates seeking to return to office after previous losses.
Key Facts
- Luis Salazar defeated Mike Suarez for the Florida State House nomination.
- Cindy Stuart lost the clerk of court race to Aileen Rodriguez.
- Candidates Cindy Stuart, Mike Suarez, Wengay Newton, and Sally Harris Williamson all lost their respective comeback bids.
- The election results are characterized as a rejection of candidates attempting to restart political careers.
Who's Mentioned
personDarren McAuley“Candidate for Congress District 12.”personKaren Perez“Incumbent School Board member heading to a runoff.”personAileen Rodriguez“Winner of the Democratic primary for County Commission District 7.”personKimberly Overman“Winner of the Democratic primary for Congress District 12.”personMike Suarez“Former City Councilman and candidate for State House District 64.”personDan Weldon“Winner of the Republican primary for State House District 64.”personGus Bilirakis“Incumbent Congressman for District 12.”personWengay Newton“Candidate for State House District 62.”personCindy Stuart“Candidate for County Commission District 7.”personSally Harris Williamson“Candidate who failed in a comeback attempt”personKyandra Darling“Winner of the Democratic primary for State House District 62.”personKenneth Gay“Candidate for School Board heading to a runoff.”personLuis Salazar“Winner of the Democratic primary for State House District 64.”