NewsCreative Loafing Tampa BayAugust 11, 2026Hillsborough
Fentrice Driskell and Michele Rayner compete for Florida Senate District 16 seat
Democratic state Representatives Fentrice Driskell and Michele Rayner are competing in a primary election for the Florida Senate District 16 seat. The election is scheduled for August 18 and covers parts of Tampa and St. Petersburg.
Read the full story at Creative Loafing Tampa BayWhy It Matters
The outcome of this primary will determine which candidate advances to represent the residents of Florida Senate District 16, which includes downtown areas of Tampa and St. Petersburg.
Key Facts
Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.
Who's Mentioned
personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida.”personJervonte Edmonds“State Representative who endorsed Driskell.”organizationAssociated Industries of Florida“Business group that contributed $40,000 to Driskell's PAC.”locationTampa“City within the district”personFentrice Driskell“Democratic state Representative and current House Democratic leader running for ”organizationPeople for Honor Project“Political committee that sent mailers criticizing Rayner.”personBenjamin Crump“Civil rights attorney who worked with Rayner.”organizationFort Meade LLC“Company that contributed $31,500 to the People for Honor Project PAC.”otherFlorida Senate District 16“The legislative district subject to the election”personMarkeis McGlockton“Victim in a 2018 shooting case represented by Michele Rayner.”organizationMeta Platforms Inc.“Tech company that contributed $2,500 to Driskell.”personDarryl Rouson“Term-limited incumbent state Senator for District 16.”organizationEquality Florida Action PAC“PAC that contributed $5,000 to Rayner.”organizationCoalition for Better Care PC“PAC that contributed $10,000 to Rayner.”personMichele Rayner“Democratic state Representative and civil rights attorney running for Senate Dis”personAnna Eskamani“State Representative who supported Rayner early.”locationSt. Petersburg“City within the district”personMike Gottlieb“State Representative who co-endorsed both candidates.”