Republican Wins Special Election As Dems Fall Short After Massive Efforts
Republican Hilary Holley has defeated Democrat Edwin Pérez in a Special Election for Florida House District 51, denying Democrats a pickup they had hoped to secure in a Midterm election year. With nearly all precincts reporting, Holley won with about 55% of the vote, holding the seat for Republicans.
Holley will replace term-limited Republican Rep. Josie Tomkow in the Polk County-based district. The race had drawn attention as Democrats looked to capitalize on broader economic concerns and Midterm dynamics, Florida Politics reported.
“Representative-Elect Hilary Holley in House District 51 will be a tremendous addition to the Florida House of Representatives, given her unmatched experience in the agricultural community,” House Speaker-Designate Sam Garrison said. “Voters have made the right decision in electing the far superior candidate,” he said.
District 51 includes much of Polk County, including Polk City, Davenport, Haines City, Lake Alfred and Auburndale. Despite a slightly narrower margin than Tomkow’s nearly 57% win in 2024, Republicans maintained a clear advantage in the district.
Voter registration numbers also favored the GOP, with roughly 34% of voters registered as Republicans compared to about 31% as Democrats. Nearly one-third of voters in the district are not affiliated with a political party.
Holley also held a significant fundraising edge throughout the race. She raised more than $122,000, along with nearly $134,000 in in-kind contributions, largely from Republican Party organizations.
Pérez raised just over $13,000 and added a $2,000 loan, with less than $1,800 in in-kind support. The financial gap underscored the uphill battle Democrats faced in attempting to flip the seat.
Holley secured endorsements from several prominent Florida Republicans, including former state Sen. Denise Grimsley, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and former Rep. Neil Combee. She also received backing from Tomkow, whom she will replace.
Holley currently serves as Executive Director of the Florida FFA Foundation, overseeing programs that support more than 65,000 student members across the state. She previously worked as a legislative aide and held roles in agricultural education and public service.
Pérez, a community advocate from Haines City, centered his campaign on affordability issues, rising insurance costs and a projected funding shortfall in the Polk County school district. Officials have warned the current $2.5 million gap could grow significantly in the coming years.
Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is criticizing a Republican-led election bill, accusing GOP lawmakers of pushing what he described as “voter suppression” measures. His comments came ahead of an expected vote on the SAVE America Act in the House, Fox News reported.
“Republicans have adopted voter suppression as an electoral strategy. That’s what the so-called SAVE Act is all about,” Jeffries said during a press conference. He argued the latest version of the bill goes further than a previous iteration passed in 2025.
The SAVE America Act would require proof of citizenship for voter registration nationwide. It would also establish a federal voter ID requirement for casting ballots in national elections.
The legislation, led by Rep. Chip Roy and Sen. Mike Lee, includes provisions aimed at improving the verification of voter eligibility. Supporters argue the bill is necessary to secure elections and ensure only eligible citizens vote.
Jeffries also raised concerns about data-sharing provisions in the bill. “This version, as I understand it, will actually give the Department of Homeland Security the power to get voting records from states across the country,” Jeffries said.
He questioned why such authority would be granted, suggesting it could lead to misuse of voter data. Republicans have rejected those claims and maintain the bill is focused on election integrity.
The House is expected to take up the measure for a vote in the coming days.
My Husband Left Me in Rags for His Mistress. He Didn't Know My Billionaire Father Owned the Gala.
He took his mistress to the most prestigious gala in the city and left me standing in an old evening dress, then looked me in the eye and said, ""You'll only embarrass me."" He thought humiliating me would be the end of the story. He had no idea that one phone call I'd kept hidden for three years was about to shake everything he had built.
""You really planned to wear that?""
My husband's voice drifted up from the front entrance, cold enough to make my hands tremble. I stood frozen in front of the bedroom mirror, staring at the navy dress I had treasured since before we got married. The fabric was still elegant, but time had begun to show along the sleeves. I smoothed them anyway, hoping they looked less obvious.
Outside, Spencer Reed stepped out of his black SUV looking like the perfect CEO, every inch polished and confident. From the hallway, I heard our housekeeper, Mrs. Evelyn, gently ask if she should tell me it was time to come downstairs.
""There isn't any reason,"" Spencer answered without hesitation. ""Paisley's coming with me.""
His words hit harder than a slap.
I walked to the window and watched him adjust his cuff links without even glancing toward the house. Three years of marriage... and somehow I still kept convincing myself that if I stayed humble enough, patient enough, invisible enough, he would eventually love me.
I was wrong.
The sound of high heels echoed through the marble foyer.
Paisley Dawson slipped beside him wearing a shimmering gold gown that looked like it belonged on a magazine cover. Around her neck sparkled a diamond necklace that cost more than I had probably spent on myself during our entire marriage.
She smiled sweetly before looking me up and down.
""So... you're the wife.""
Her eyes paused on my worn sleeves, and she laughed softly.
""Now I understand why Spencer never brings you anywhere.""
I waited.
Surely my husband would say something.
Anything.
Instead, he smiled at her.
""You look incredible.""
The room suddenly felt colder.
Paisley rested her hand possessively on his arm.
""The Apex Group charity gala isn't a place for someone dressed like... that,"" she said. ""Tonight will be filled with CEOs, senators, investors—people who actually matter. You'd only make Spencer look bad.""
Every word was carefully chosen to wound.
I turned to Spencer, refusing to let them see the anger building inside me.
He didn't defend me.
He didn't deny her words.
He simply offered Paisley his arm.
""We're late.""
That was all.
I stood silently as the front door closed behind them. A few seconds later, the SUV disappeared through the gates, its taillights fading into the evening.
Mrs. Evelyn quietly walked over and touched my arm.
""I'm so sorry, Mrs. Reed. Would you like me to make you some dinner?""
I forced a faint smile.
""No... thank you.""
I climbed the stairs alone and shut the bedroom door behind me. Through the window I could see the skyline where tonight's gala was already beginning, lights glowing above the city like another world I was never meant to enter.
Then my phone vibrated.
A message.
Unknown number.
When I opened it, my stomach dropped.
It was a selfie from the back seat of Spencer's SUV.
Paisley leaned against him with a smug grin, flashing a peace sign while Spencer's reflection appeared beside her in the window.
Below the photo she had written:
""By the time tonight is over, he'll belong to me completely. Have fun waiting at home.""
I didn't cry.
Instead, I walked to my vanity, opened the lowest drawer, and pulled out a small red velvet box I hadn't touched in three years.
Inside rested a SIM card.
The one I promised myself I'd never need again.
I slipped it into my phone.
Only one contact appeared.
Dad.
My thumb hovered over the screen before I finally pressed Call.
One ring.
Two.
Three.
Then I heard the voice I hadn't allowed myself to hear since I walked away from my family.
""Phoebe?""
His voice sounded older... but the concern was still there.
My throat tightened.
""Dad...""
For a moment I couldn't speak.
Then the words finally escaped.
""I want to come home.""
Silence.
Long enough to make my heart pound.
Finally, my father—Raymond Harrell, the billionaire whose name could open almost any door in the country—answered with a voice trembling from emotion.
""My little girl...""
Another pause.
""I'm coming to get you.""
In that instant, everything changed.
Spencer believed tonight would elevate his empire.
He had no idea the most powerful man he'd ever unknowingly offended was already on his way.
