Mariner projected Republican winner in special primary elections

RIVIERA BEACH, Fla .– Voting was closed in Tuesday’s special primary election to fill the Congressional seat left vacant by the death of U.S. Representative Alcee Hastings, D-Fla.

Hastings, who has served in the House since 1993, died of pancreatic cancer in April.

Businessman Jason Mariner is the expected winner of the Republican primary in Florida’s 20th Congressional District, defeating Greg Musselwhite, who unsuccessfully challenged the late congressman in the 2020 general election.

The Democratic race was too early to call as the votes were counted Tuesday night.

Mariner remains far from winning the Jan. 11 general election in the heavily Democratic district.

Voter turnout was low. Over the weekend, early voting was at 10%. When the polls closed, the turnout was around 16%.

Florida’s 20th Congressional District has approximately 345,000 eligible voters. The district is also over 61% Democrat and about 13% Republican. Five Democratic candidates are currently elected.

RELATED: What You Need To Know About Florida’s 20th Congressional District

The candidates also include a libertarian and three independents, one of which is a writing.

During a Candidates Forum on October 14 Hosted by the Broward and Palm Beach County Urban Leagues, the candidates focused on issues that have a profound impact on the 20th Congressional District and the nation, including structural racism, racism in immigration, the ‘black and brown homeownership, education, employment, social justice, health initiatives and how to attract businesses to the glades, which would lead to jobs.

The two-hour forum ended when moderators told voters they had plenty of research to do.

WPTV sat down with constituents at Wells Recreation Center in Riviera Beach on what matters most.

Voters cast votes in a special election to determine Florida’s 20th Congressional District

“Affordable housing is definitely a big issue we face in this district,” district voter and resident Varisa Lall Dass told WPTV. “We’re seeing a lot of new developments and potential new opportunities that come with it, but it’s important that people have access to a place to live.”

But other voters offer advice to whoever is chosen.

“I tell the younger ones that if you run for office, be it Democrat or Republican, whatever, go to bed every night knowing you’ve done the right thing,” Reverend Thomas Masters said. , former mayor of Riviera Beach, said. “When you can go to bed knowing you’ve done the right thing, then you can wake up in the morning with a clearer awareness. Do what’s right. Period.”