Hillsborough County Commission Battle Heats Up Ahead of General Election

The race to reshape the Hillsborough County Commission is officially in full swing following the conclusion of Tuesday’s primary elections. As the final votes are tallied, key candidates are preparing for the crucial General Election just around the corner.

Key Results from the Primary Elections

• District 2: Incumbent Republican Commissioner Ken Hagan advances to the General Election after securing over 78% of the Republican primary vote against Melissa Nordbeck.
• District 4: Christine Miller, newly appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and CEO of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, defeated real estate broker Cody Powell with more than 68% of the vote.
• District 6: Sean Shaw, a former state representative, triumphed with over 80% of the Democratic primary votes against library worker Joseph Ryan Taylor. He aims to retain the seat for Democrats following Pat Kemp’s departure. Chris Boles won the Republican primary, defeating former commission candidate Jim Davison with 59% of the vote.

Stakes for November

As voters head to the polls in November, the outcome will determine whether the Commission’s political landscape shifts further right or if Democrats can maintain a foothold in the management of the county’s substantial $9 billion budget. Currently, there are four Republicans and three Democrats on the Commission, and a GOP victory in November would revert the board to a 5-2 majority, reminiscent of its 2016 composition.

District Breakdown

District 2: Ken Hagan vs. Patricia Alonzo

Ken Hagan, who has held his seat since 2018, will be challenged by Patricia Alonzo, a Democrat who ran unopposed through the primary. This district, historically a Republican stronghold, has seen changes in demographics due to redistricting—now featuring a near-equally split voter base:

• 70,610 Republicans
• 69,849 Democrats (only a 761-voter difference)
• 59,000 No-party voters

Alonzo, backed by Ruth’s List as a pro-choice candidate, could attract voters concerned about reproductive rights, especially with issues surrounding Amendment 4 gaining traction.

District 4: Christine Miller vs. Nicole Payne vs. Matthew Taylor

Christine Miller faces Nicole Payne, who won the Democratic primary with over 63% of the votes against Janathon Chavez. Also in the running is independent candidate Matthew Taylor, known as “Matt the Welder.”

• Miller’s Campaign Fund: Over $124,000
• Payne’s Fund: Less than $14,000

Miller aims to leverage her financial advantage, while Payne will have to ramp up fundraising efforts to compete effectively.

District 6: Sean Shaw vs. Chris Boles

Sean Shaw hopes to keep District 6 blue in the upcoming election. With approximately $135,000 available between his campaign funds and political committee, he is well-positioned against Chris Boles, who has $61,000 at his disposal.

Conclusion

The contest for the Hillsborough County Commission is shaping up to be a heated one, particularly in light of the shifting demographic landscape and pressing issues facing voters. Engaging with local concerns and effectively managing campaign resources will be critical for candidates across the board as they approach the November election.

For more details about the upcoming elections, voter registration, and polling locations, visit Vote.org or consult your local elections office.