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With qualifying days away, 5 competitive House seats remain unchallenged

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With qualifying days away, 5 competitive House seats remain unchallenged


Less than a week from the qualifying deadline, 25 Florida House district races remain uncontested by one of the two major political parties.

That means each race has either only Democrats or Republicans running, with, in some cases, a third-party challenger with little to no shot of winning.

That arrangement is understandable in 80% of those contests, where one party has such an edge with the electorate that, for now, running candidates to flip those seats would be a waste of money and resources.

But in five House districts (two Republican-controlled, three Democrat-led), the voter divide is narrow enough that the absence of a challenger from the opposing party is eye-raising at best and confounding at worst.

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They range from a district in Palm Beach County that sided with Kamala Harris in 2024 by just 1 percentage point, based on 2024 state presidential vote analyses by Matt Isbell of MCI Maps, to an Orange County district Harris won by 11 points.

That’s roughly the same margin by which President Donald Trump won in House District 87, which Jupiter Democratic Rep. Emily Gregory flipped in a national news-making March upset that has bolstered hopes of further such returns in November.

The other three races — set in Duval, Miami-Dade and Pinellas counties — have even smaller divides between Democrats and GOP voters. Yet none are contested.

Of four uncontested Senate races, just one — SD 36 in Miami-Dade County — is remotely close. Incumbent Republican Sen. Ileana Garcia is on track to win the seat she won in 2020 by 34 votes and kept two years later by 18 points.

Voters there picked Trump over Harris by a 16-point margin.

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In a statement to Florida Politics, the Florida Democratic Party said that despite the gaps in winnable races, the organization has worked hard to identify “strong, quality candidates up and down the ballot who are willing to work hard for Floridians and create a state where we can all thrive.”

“The Florida Democratic Party (FDP) has spent the last several years investing in year-round organizing, and a part of that is candidate recruitment,” the group said. “Floridians across the state have raised their hand to run, with over 1,300 Democrats expressing a desire to learn more about running over the last 18 months.”

Republican Party of Florida Chair Evan Power, meanwhile, expressed confidence that his group will further grow its already supermajority share of the Legislature and threw shade across the aisle.

“Just like last year when (FDP Chair) Nikki Fried was worried about giving out participation trophies in every race, the Florida GOP remains focused on winning races. We know we will field quality candidates across Florida that will drive us to big victories,” he said in a statement. “The Florida Democrats are on the verge of extinction. Floridians have rejected the radical left agenda and we are confident that we will be on offense.”

The Primary Election is on Aug. 18, followed by the General Election.

Here are the House Districts with candidates from only one of the two major political parties running, as of Friday.

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House District 12 — Republican-controlled

HD 12, which covers part of Jacksonville’s Westside and Southside, crossing the St. Johns River, went 10 points for Trump in 2024. Republican Wyman Duggan, the district’s current Representative, must leave office in November due to term limits, and former Jacksonville City Council President Terrance Freeman is running to keep it in GOP hands.

He’s the only person in the race.

Image via MCI Maps. Click to enlarge.

House District 44 — Democrat-controlled

HD 44, which spans portions of Orange County, including Orlando and parts of the unincorporated areas of Hunters Creek, Meadow Woods, Sky Lake and Southchase, is a D+11 district, based on MCI Maps figures.

Democratic Rep. Rita Harris is seeking her third consecutive term in the district and, so far, no one is blocking her path to an easy re-election.

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Harris, first elected in 2022, has yet to face a Republican on the ballot. Her only opponent in the past two cycles was former state Rep. Diasy Morales, whom she unseated by about 8.5 points and repelled with a whopping 65% share of the votes in a 2024 rematch.

House District 60 — Democrat-controlled

HD 60, a D+7 district, is getting a new Representative after incumbent Rep. Lindsay Cross announced that she will not seek re-election this year. The district covers a bay-facing portion of Pinellas County that includes parts of St. Petersburg and Pinellas Park, along with the communities of Feather Sound and Lealman and the neighborhood of Grande Bayou.

Lawyer Lindsay Polega-Quigley, a former Vice President of the St. Petersburg chapter of the League of Women Voters, filed to run for the seat within hours of Cross’ withdrawal and is thus far unopposed.

House District 89 — Democrat-controlled

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In what would be the closest contest, if anyone else were to run, Democratic Rep. Debra Tendrich enjoys an unobstructed path to re-election in HD 89, a D+1 district that spans part of inland Palm Beach County, including Greenacres, Lake Clarke Shores, Lake Worth Beach and Palm Springs.

Tendrich, a nonprofit executive, won the seat in 2024 by a 2-point margin, keeping the seat previously held by Democrat David Silvers.

House District 114 — Republican-controlled

An R+10 district, HD 114 covers parts of Miami-Dade, including Coral Gables, Miami, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, South Miami and West Miami.

Republican Rep. Demi Busatta has held the seat since 2020, when its prior Democratic occupant, South Miami Mayor Javier Fernández, left for an unsuccessful Senate bid.

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Busatta has proven popular among voters in past races, winning re-election in 2022 by almost 13 points and again in 2024 by 17 points after dwarfing her Democratic opponents in fundraising.

Other unchallenged races

There are 23 other uncontested state legislative races, including:

Senate District 16 (D+26), which covers part of the Tampa Bay area including Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell and Democratic Rep. Michele Rayner are the only two candidates.

Senate District 32 (D+39), an inland Broward County area that includes Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderhill, North Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Plantation, Sunrise and Tamarac. Incumbent Sen. Rosalind Osgood currently faces one opponent, no-party candidate Crescente Furnaguera.

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Senate District 34 (D+39), which covers parts of north Miami-Dade, including Bay Harbour Islands, Miami Beach, Miami Gardens, North Miami, North Miami Beach and Opa-locka. The district’s current representative, Democratic Sen. Shevrin Jones, is leaving to run for Congress, and just one candidate, Miami Democratic Rep. Ashley Gantt, has filed to succeed him.

House District 7 (R+54), which covers a large Panhandle area including Dixie, Franklin, Gulf, Hamilton, Lafayette, Liberty, Suwannee and Wakulla counties, and a southern portion of Leon County. Incumbent Republican Rep. Jason Shoaf faces no opposition.

House District 8 (D+42), which spans all of Gadsden County and part of Leon County. Incumbent Democratic Rep. Gallop Franklin faces Independent Party of Florida candidate Aaron Ruddell.

House District 13 (D+24), which covers a northeast portion of Duval County. The all-Democrat field includes former Sen. Audrey Gibson and candidates Brandon Groover, Leslie Jean-Bart and Christopher Thomas.

House District 14 (D+25.5), which covers part of Duval County. Incumbent Democratic Rep. Kimberly Daniels faces two Primary challengers: Elgin Foreman and Rhian Tutson.

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House District 24 (R+28), which covers a southeast portion of Marion County. Incumbent Republican Rep. Ryan Chamberlin faces Primary challenger Scott Wilkins.

House District 27 (R+37), which spans parts of Lake, Marion and Volusia counties. Republican Rep. Richard Gentry is unopposed in his re-election bid.

House District 40 (D+35), which covers an unincorporated swath of Orange County, including the Riverside Acres neighborhood and census-designated areas of Lockhart, Pine Hills and Rosemont. Incumbent Democratic Rep. Ra’Shon Young is unopposed.

House District 56 (R+27.5), which covers a coastal stretch of Pasco County encompassing New Port Richey and the census-designated areas of Bayonet Point, Beacon Square, Elfers, Jasmine Estates and Holiday. Incumbent Republican Rep. Brad Yeager has no opponent.

House District 62 (D+34), which covers part of Pinellas County, including St. Petersburg, and a portion of Hillsborough County, including Tampa and the unincorporated Gibsonton area. Democrats Kyandra Darling, Upton Fisher and Wengay Newton are competing to succeed Rayner.

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House District 63 (D+41), which covers much of inland Hillsborough, including Temple Terrace, the census-designated area of Harney and Tampa’s Sulphur Springs, West Tampa and Ybor City neighborhoods. Democrats Jacqueline Coffie-Leeks, Robin Lockett and Conrad Schupay are running to replace outgoing Rep. Dianne Hart-Lowman..

— House District 68 (R+29), which covers a northeast portion of Hillsborough, including Plant City and the unincorporated Shiloh and Valrico areas. Republican Ryan Gill is the only candidate in the race to succeed Rep. Lawrence McClure, who has endorsed Gill.

— House District 96 (D+19), which covers west Broward. Incumbent Democratic Rep. Dan Daley, who briefly considered a Senate District 30 bid, faces no opposition.

— House District 97 (D+52), which covers part of Broward, including Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderhill, North Lauderdale and the Sabal Palms Estates and Sunrise Heights neighborhoods. Incumbent Democratic Rep. Lisa Dunkley is unopposed.

— House District 98 (D+30), which covers part of Broward, including Oakland Park and unincorporated Lakeview and North Andrews Gardens. Incumbent Democratic Rep. Mitch Rosenwald faces Primary challenger Keith Abel.

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— House District 99 (D+44), which covers part of Broward, including Fort Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Plantation and Wilton Manors. Incumbent Democratic Rep. Daryl Campbell faces no opposition.

— House District 104 (D+28), which covers a southern part of Broward, including Miramar and Pembroke Pines, and part of Miami-Dade County, including Miami Gardens. Incumbent Democratic Rep. Felicia Robinson is unopposed.

— House District 105 (D+27), which covers part of south Broward County, including Hollywood and West Park. Incumbent Democratic Rep. Marie Woodson faces no opposition.

— House District 110 (R+40), which covers part of northwest Miami-Dade County, including Miami Lakes. Incumbent Republican Rep. Tom Fabricio is unopposed.

— House District 111 (R+35.5), which covers part of northwest Miami-Dade County, including Doral, Hialeah and Hialeah Gardens. Incumbent Republican Rep. David Borrero faces no opposition.

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— House District 112 (R+45), which covers part of Miami-Dade County, including Hialeah and Miami International Airport. Incumbent Republican Rep. Alex Rizo, the immediate past Miami-Dade GOP chair, is unopposed.

___

Jacob Ogles contributed to this report.





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From pizza to Panthers: How Simas Ignatavicius landed with Florida | Florida Panthers

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From pizza to Panthers: How Simas Ignatavicius landed with Florida | Florida Panthers


In Switzerland ever since, Ignatavicius has steadily improved with each passing season.

Spending most of the 2025-26 campaign playing against professionals in the National League, he notched 13 points (7G, 6A) in 52 games with Genève-Servette HC. He also suited up in 11 games in the postseason, scoring two goals and dishing out an assist.

During a brief stint in Switzerland’s second-tier league, he was better than a point-per-game player, racking up 11 points (7G, 4A) in eight contests.

“That was a big there,” the 18-year-old forward said of his breakout season. “There we go, and here I am now.”

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Catching the attention of scouts across the NHL, Ignatavicius was projected as a possible late-first-round pick by several outlets heading into this weekend.

Making history when the Panthers called his name, he became the fourth Lithuanian to be drafted, joining Darius Kasparaitis, Dainius Zubrus and Andrey Pedan.

“It means a lot to my family and to my country,” Ignatavicius. “It shows little kids that whatever you dream it’s possible. You’ve just got to work for it. When you get your chance, you take it. Don’t give up. Work hard.”

A veteran of 1,293 games in the NHL, Zubrus has been a longtime mentor to his young countryman.

“I’m pretty close with him,” Ignatavicius said. “We text a lot. I’m happy with that and think I can learn a lot from him.”

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When it comes to future lessons, he’ll have no shortage of new teachers to work with in South Florida.

Priding himself on playing a physical, relentless style, Ignatavicius models his game after one Panther in particular.

“Matthew Tkachuk,” he said. “I try playing like him, his style. I think he’s a great player and I can learn a lot from him.”

Yet to commit to returning to Switzerland next season, Ignatavicius is still waiting to see where he’ll lace up his skates in 2025-26.

“I’ve just got to focus on my summer and getting better,” he said.

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In the immediate future, Ignatavicius will soon board a flight to Fort Lauderdale to participate in his first development camp with the Panthers.

“Florida? Can’t complain much,” he said when asked about his impending trip. “Very happy.”

In between on-ice sessions, maybe Ignatavicius will even find some time to grab a pizza.

If he needs a recommendation, I’m sure Panthers fans will have a few suggestions.

“This is just the beginning,” he said.

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Missing Florida diver found after multi-agency search

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Missing Florida diver found after multi-agency search


A diver who was reported missing near the Fort Pierce Inlet has been found dead, according to the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office.

The U.S. Coast Guard received a mayday call around 11:30 a.m. June 27 about the missing diver. The Coast Guard then notified the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which deployed four boats to assist in the search, according to a social media post by the Sheriff’s Office. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office marine unit also responded.

Friends of the missing diver joined the search, departing from Fort Pierce Inlet around 1 p.m.

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The search, which included aerial support from the Coast Guard and FWC, focused on an area about six to seven miles north-northeast of the Fort Pierce Inlet, near Avalon State Park.

Around 4:10 p.m., the group of civilian divers entered the water and located the missing diver at the bottom of the ocean in about 55 feet of water. The diver was recovered and pronounced dead.

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The body was transported to Coast Guard Station Fort Pierce. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division is investigating the incident.

No additional information is available at this time.

This story was created by Colleen Wixon, colleen.wixon@tcpalm.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.

Colleen Wixon is the Indian River County government watchdog reporter for TCPalm and Treasure Coast Newspapers.

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Florida Lottery Mega Millions, Jackpot Triple Play results for June 26, 2026

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Florida Lottery Mega Millions, Jackpot Triple Play results for June 26, 2026


The Florida Lottery offers several draw games for those hoping to win one of the available jackpots.

Here’s a look at the winning numbers for games played on Friday, June 26, 2026.

Winning Mega Millions numbers from June 26 drawing

05-13-30-33-52, Mega Ball: 06

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Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Jackpot Triple Play numbers from June 26 drawing

09-12-15-25-30-38

Check Jackpot Triple Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from June 26 drawing

Midday: 05-11-19-27-31

Evening: 17-24-29-34-35

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Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from June 26 drawing

Morning: 11

Matinee: 08

Afternoon: 14

Evening: 03

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Late Night: 01

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

play

Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win

Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.

Just the FAQs, USA TODAY

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Winning Pick 2 numbers from June 26 drawing

Midday: 2-7, FB: 1

Evening: 3-5, FB: 8

Check Pick 2 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from June 26 drawing

Midday: 2-8-7, FB: 1

Evening: 7-0-4, FB: 8

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Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from June 26 drawing

Midday: 3-4-9-0, FB: 1

Evening: 4-2-7-4, FB: 8

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from June 26 drawing

Midday: 0-5-3-4-6, FB: 1

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Evening: 7-0-0-4-5, FB: 8

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Where can you buy Florida Lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at any authorized retailer throughout Florida, including gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. To find a retailer near you, go to Find Florida Lottery Retailers.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

  • Prizes of $599 or less: Claim at any authorized Florida Lottery retailer or Florida Lottery district office.
  • Prizes for $600 to $1 million: Must be claimed in person at any Florida Lottery district office for games that do not offer an annual payment option.
  • Prizes greater than $1 million and all prizes with an annual payment option: Must be claimed at Florida Lottery headquarters, except Mega Millions and Powerball prizes, which can be claimed at any Florida Lottery district office.

You also can claim your winnings by mail if the prize is $250,000 or less. Mail your ticket to the Florida Lottery with the required documentation.

Florida law requires public disclosure of winners

If you’re a winner, Florida law mandates the following information is public record:

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  • Full name
  • City of residence
  • Game won
  • Date won
  • Amount won
  • Name and location of the retailer where the winning ticket was purchased.

When are the Florida Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
  • Florida Lotto: 11:15 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Jackpot Triple Play: 11:15 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
  • Fantasy 5: Daily at 1:05 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.
  • Cash Pop: Daily at 8:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 2:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 11:45 p.m.
  • Pick 2, 3, 4, 5: Daily at 1:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Florida digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.



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