Incumbent Rep. Allison Tant of Tallahassee was unopposed for the Democratic primary election for the Florida House’s District 9 seat, but two candidates – Jibri Knight and Tracy Robinson – contended for the GOP nomination.
By 11 p.m. on Aug. 18, Robinson led Knight roughly 59% to 41% in the tri-county legislative district, according to the Florida Division of Elections website.
But it’s unclear what Robinson’s apparent victory will mean in November: The seat, which includes northern Leon County, northern Jefferson County and all of Madison County, is considered a lock for Democrats.
Tant, a former Florida Democratic Party chair, will be term-limited in 2028 if she wins re-election in November.
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Robinson, 50, works as an artificial intelligence engineer in the medical field and has experience in law enforcement, mental health services and emergency management.
She centered her campaign on a platform she calls “REVIVE,” which focuses on community redevelopment, tax relief, public safety, infrastructure improvements, accountability in government and education.
Robinson said District 9 has been overlooked by state government and pledged to address issues including blighted properties, road and broadband improvements, public safety and economic development across Leon, Jefferson and Madison counties if elected.
Knight, 45, is an insurance operations manager and former state employee who describes himself as a lifelong District 9 resident.
During the campaign, Knight said rising property taxes were the most important issue facing voters, arguing that state leaders should explore ways to reduce homeowners’ tax burdens and shift more revenue generation toward Florida’s tourism economy.
He said that he wanted to focus on issues including property tax relief, education, public safety, environmental protection and the cost of living.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tracy Robinson leads GOP primary for Florida House District 9
Reporting by Jim Rosica, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jim Rosica, Tallahassee Democrat | USA TODAY Network
