Brian Nathan edges out Josie Tomkow in SD 14 as she pledges a rematch in November
Florida Politics • • nation
Key Points:
- Democrat Brian Nathan narrowly defeated Republican Josie Tomkow in the Special Election for Senate District 14 by 408 votes, avoiding an automatic recount.
- Nathan will replace former Sen. Jay Collins, who became Lieutenant Governor, marking a significant Democratic gain in a district previously won by Collins with nearly 55% of the vote.
- Despite Tomkow's strong early voting lead and substantial financial backing from prominent Republicans and political committees, Nathan's grassroots support and union endorsements contributed to his upset victory.
- The election results suggest a possible shift among nonpartisan and minor-party voters toward the Democratic candidate, providing hope for Democrats ahead of the November general election.
- Nathan, a Navy veteran and union leader with a background as an electrician, will now serve in the Special Session to help pass a budget, as the district was previously unrepresented in the 2026 Legislative Session.
