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Pinellas County voters last week ousted incumbent Democrat Charlie Justice while electing a Republican to replace outgoing Democratic Commissioner Janet Long, growing the party’s majority to 6-1.
Justice lost to Republican Vince Nowicki, who earned 51% of the vote. Chris Scherer bested Democrat Cookie Kennedy with 53% of the vote.
Just one Democrat, Rene Flowers, is left on the board. GOP control is likely for at least the next decade.
Changing demographics have left the GOP with a big advantage in Pinellas County, with about 35,000 more voters. Independent voters may be critical in future election cycles for both parties.
– Janelle Irwin, Florida Politics