NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — Local NewsNovember 4, 2026Hillsborough County
Democrats make legislative gains in Florida while Republicans retain statewide offices
Photo: ABC Action News (WFTS) — Local News
Recent election results show Republicans winning major statewide races in Florida, including the governor and U.S. Senate seats, while Democrats break the Republican supermajority in the Florida House by netting 15 seats and winning local contests in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — Local NewsWhy It Matters
Changes the balance of power in the state legislature by removing the Republican in the Florida House, affecting how future state laws and budgets will be negotiated.
Key Facts
- Democrats netted 15 seats in the Florida House, breaking the Republican supermajority.
- Republicans won the statewide governor and U.S. Senate races, including wins by Byron Donalds and Ashley Moody.
- Democrats won key contests in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.
- In U.S. Congressional District 14, Kathy Castor defeated Mike Beltran.
- Voters showed split-ticket voting behavior rather than strictly voting along party lines.
- Economic pressures such as grocery prices, tariffs, and gas prices at $5 per gallon were cited as factors influencing voter decisions.
Who's Mentioned
PersonRon DeSantis“Florida Governor”locationPinellas County“County where Democrats won races”PersonPresident Trump“Won Hillsborough and Pinellas counties in the prior election cycle”PersonAngie Nixon“Ran in a statewide race against Ashley Moody”locationFlorida“State where the elections took place”PersonNikki Fried“Florida Democratic Party Board Chair”PersonMike Beltran“Ran against Kathy Castor in District 14”PersonByron Donalds“Defeated David Jolly in a statewide race”locationHillsborough County“County where Democrats won races”PersonKirsten England“Political expert and University of South Florida professor”PersonDavid Jolly“Ran in a statewide race against Byron Donalds”locationDistrict 14“Congressional district won by Kathy Castor”PersonKathy Castor“Defeated Mike Beltran in District 14”PersonAshley Moody“Won a statewide race against Angie Nixon”