Karen Gonzalez Pittman takes South Tampa House seat

Karen Gonzalez Pittman has taken South Tampa’s House District 65, defeating Democratic challenger Jen McDonald.

Former education administrator Pittman received 53.86% of the vote, while local business owner McDonald earned 46.14%.

The seat closely resembles current House District 60 represented by Tampa Republican Rep. Jackie Toledo, who ran unsuccessfully for Congress. But redistricting made it a much more competitive district, with only a slight Republican advantage.

Toledo endorsed Pittman as her successor early in the race. Pittman became the GOP nominee after a narrow victory in a three-way Republican Primary, in which she defeated her closest competitor, Jake Hoffman, 44%-43%.

– Kelly Hayes, Extensive Enterprises Media