Hillsborough Election: County Commission, School Board On Ballot

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Hillsborough County voters have a lot to decide in Tuesday's general election, in addition to filling in that oval circle next to a presidential candidate's name. Congressional, state legislative, county commission, county court judge and school board seats are to be decided. State constitutional amendments are also up for approval.

Early voting ended on Sunday at 7 p.m.

As of Monday morning, 63.43 percent of eligible voters have voted, the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office said.

General election poll hours are Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the various Hillsborough County voting locations. If you are in line at 7 p.m., you will be allowed to vote, but if you arrive at the polling place after 7 p.m., you will not be allowed to vote.

Return to Patch Tuesday night for the latest vote tally. Subscribe to free news alerts for election results.

Hillsborough County Commissioner District 1 candidates include Democrat and former Tampa City Council member Harry Cohen versus newcomer Republican Scott Levinson. In District 3 Republican Maura Cruz Lanz, a newcomer to politics, is taking on Democrat Gwen Myers. District 6 candidates include Sandra L. Murman, who currently serves as a county commissioner in District 1 and is challenging incumbent Republican Patricia Kemp.

Kemp tweeted, "Career politician Sandy Murman is running for a 4th term on the County Commission. Time to send her home."

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister has two challengers: Democrat Gary Pruitt, a retired police corporal and Ron McMullen, a retired Tampa police commander with no party affiliation.

"I believe in full equity and fairness by the sheriff's office when dealing with the public," said McMullen, reported Tampa Patch. "There should never be two different experiences by different people when interacting with deputies. There is only one law and one way to apply it. Regardless of what ZIP code you live in, what color you are or how much money you have, you will be treated fairly."

Chronister took heat from civil liberties activists when he worked with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to identify and jail undocumented immigrants throughout Hillsborough County.

The seven-member Hillsborough County School Board has elections for four district members, including vice-chair. All candidates are listed as nonpartisan.

District 1 Incumbent Vice-Chair Steve Cona, who was elected to the position in 2018, is being challenged by Nadia Combs, who has over 30 years of teaching experience. District 3 candidates include newcomers Mitch Thrower and Jessica Vaughn. District 5 is Henry "Shake" Washington challenging incumbent Tamara Shamburger. District 7 candidates include challenger Sally A. Harris taking on incumbent Lynn Gray.

Hillsborough County Tax Collector candidates are Republican TK Matthew and Democrat Nancy C. Milan.

County Court Group Judge 7 candidates are nonpartisans Monique Scott versus Bill Yanger.

Property Appraiser candidates include incumbent Democrat Bob Henriquez, who is being challenged by Republican D.C. Goutoufas.

Hillsborough County will vote on six state amendments:

Florida Amendment 1
Citizen Requirement to Vote in Florida Elections: This amendment provides that only United States Citizens who are at least eighteen years of age, a permanent resident of Florida, and registered to vote, as provided by law, shall be qualified to vote in a Florida election.

Florida Amendment 2
Raising Florida's Mininum Wage: Raises minimum wage to $10 per hour effective September 30, 2021. Each September 30th thereafter, minimum wage shall increase by $1 per hour until the minimum wage reaches $15 per hour on September 30, 2026. From that point forward, future minimum wage increases shall revert to being adjusted annually for inflation starting September 30, 2027.

Florida Amendment 3
All Voters Vote in Primary Elections for State Legislature, Governor, and Cabinet: Allows all registered voters to vote in primaries for state legislature, governor, and cabinet regardless of political party affiliation. All candidates for an office, including party nominated candidates, appear on the same primary ballot. Two highest vote getters advance to general election. If only two candidates qualify, no primary is held and winner is determined in general election. Candidate's party affiliation may appear on ballot as provided by law. Effective January 1, 2024.

Florida Amendment 4
Voter Approval of Constitutional Amendments: Requires all proposed amendments or revisions to the state constitution to be approved by the voters in two elections, instead of one, in order to take effect. The proposal applies the current thresholds for passage to each of the two elections.

Florida Amendment 5
Limitation on Homestead Assessments: Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution, effective date January 1, 2021, to increase, from two years to three years, the period of time during which accrued Save-Our-Homes benefits may be transferred from a prior homestead to a new homestead.

Florida Amendment 6
Ad Valorem Tax Discount for Spouses of Certain Deceased Veterans Who Had Permanent, Combat-Related Disabilities: Provides that the homestead property tax discount for certain veterans with permanent combat-related disabilities carries over to such veteran's surviving spouse who holds legal or beneficial title to, and who permanently resides on, the homestead property, until he or she remarries or sells or otherwise disposes of the property. The discount may be transferred to a new homestead property of the surviving spouse under certain conditions. The amendment takes effect January 1, 2021.

Congressional, State Races

Republican U.S. Rep. Gus Michael Bilirakis is being challenged by Democrat Kimberly Walker in Congressional District 12. Incumbent U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor and Democrat has District 14's seat and is being challenged by Republican Christine Y. Quinn. The seat of District 15 is currently held by Riverview resident Ross Spano, but he lost his re-election bid in the August primary to Republican candidate Scott Franklin, who is a Lakeland City Commissioner. Franklin and Democrat Alan Cohn will face each other on the ballot on Election Day. District 16 candidates are U.S. Rep. Republican Vern Buchanan and his challenger, state Rep. Margaret Good.

Incumbent State Attorney Democrat Andrew Warren is being challenged by Republican Mike Perotti in the 13th Judicial District.

Incumbent Senator Democrat Darryl Evin Rouson is being challenged by No Party Affiliation Christina Paylan State Senator District 19.

District 20 State House candidates include former state representative Republican Danny Burgess and newcomer to politics Democrat Kathy Lewis.

District 21 State House candidates include Republican Jim Boyd and Democrat Anthony "Tony" Eldon.

State Representative District 57 candidates are incumbent Republican Representative Mike Beltran who is being challenged by Democrat Scott Hottenstein. District 58 candidates are Republican Lawrence McClure and Cleo Townsend Jr. District 59 candidates include Republican Michael Owen and Democrat Andrew Learned. District 60 candidates include Republican Representative Jackie Toledo, who is being challenged by Democrat Julie Jenkins. Representative Susan L. Valdes, who is a Democrat, faces two challengers: Republican Angel Urbina Capo and No Party Affiliation Laurie Rodriguez-Person. District 64 candidates include Republican Taci Koster versus Jessica Harrington.