Republican Mike Haridopolos was victorious in his bid to succeed Bill Posey as the congressman for Brevard and Indian River counties.
Haridopolos received 62.25% of the vote, compared with 37.75% for his Democratic opponent, attorney Sandy Kennedy.
Posey, a Rockledge Republican, has represented the district in Congress for nearly 16 years, but chose not to seek reelection this year to a ninth two-year term.
Haridopolos, an Indian Harbour Beach resident who describes himself as “a mainstream conservative Republican,” owns MJH Consulting, a business and political consulting company. Before that, he was a member of the Florida Senate from 2003 to 2012, including serving as Senate president from 2010 to 2012. He also was a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2000 to 2003.
Kennedy, a resident of unincorporated Brevard north of Cocoa, is an attorney with a specialty in construction law. She describes herself as falling “within the moderate category” on the political spectrum.
Haridopolos said he is “really excited” about the results, and is “ready to get to work” in Washington.
Haridopolos said his top initial priorities as a congressman will be working to “secure the borders” against illegal immigration, and to “make America more affordable.” He said he will aim to drive down oil prices and to “reduce out-of-control government spending.”
“I am honored to serve as the next congressman for District 8,” Haridopolos said. “Thank you to the voters, to our volunteers and to our supporters for your trust and confidence. The voters spoke loud and clear in this election. They want a congressman who will make America affordable again, stop illegal immigration and get government spending under control. I will work every day to do just that. And I’ll work to end partisan gridlock in Congress to get things done.”
Haridopolos said he is proud that “we ran a positive campaign.”
“We talked about ideas and solutions, and we didn’t get into the mud,” Haridopolos said.
Haridopolos also thanked Posey and Posey’s wife, Katie, for their service to the community.
“I was honored to have Congressman Posey’s complete endorsement, and I pledge to carry on his legacy of service and conservative leadership,” Haridopolos said.
“I have big, big shows to fill,” Haridopolos said.
Both candidates won primaries
Brevard 2024 Election Results: 2024 Brevard County Live Election Results
Florida 2024 Election Results: 2024 Florida General Election: Live Results and Maps
Both Haridopolos and Kennedy became their party’s nominee after winning primary elections on Aug. 20.
Haridopolos won a three-candidate Republican primary by a wide margin, receiving 72.12% of the vote. Business executive John Hearton of Satellite Beach had 21.74%. Corporate attorney Joe Babits of Indian River Shores trailed with 6.14%, after withdrawing from the race late in the campaign and endorsing Hearton.
In the Democratic primary, Kennedy defeated West Melbourne City Council member Daniel McDow, by a margin of 60.69% to 39.31%. McDow says, as a “long-standing and loyal Democrat,” he supported Kennedy and the entire Democratic ticket in the general election.
The district — which also includes the eastern Orange County communities of Bithlo, Christmas and Wedgefield — is Republican-leading, with 46% of the registered voters being Republicans; 26% Democrats; and 28% either no party affiliation voters or members of minor political parties.
The 8th District was the only congressional district in Florida that did not have an incumbent running.
Victory celebration comments
During a victory celebration and election watch party at the Melbourne Auditorium, Haridopolos said: “The challenges ahead are vast. But I will rise to the call every single day, because you gave me this incredible honor. I pledge to you and our virtuous nation that I will be devoted to the cause of liberty. And, tomorrow, that work begins.”
“But, tonight, let’s celebrate a little bit. Have a great time,” he said, eliciting cheers. “Chart a new course of the American dream. And may God bless Donald Trump and may God bless the United States of America.”
Haridopolos also referenced Monday’s night’s NASA-SpaceX launch of the CRS-31 resupply mission to the International Space Station from Kennedy Space Center.
“We are literally reaching for the stars every day. This is the Space Coast. And we’re going to make it bigger, stronger, faster, and lead the world in innovative technology,” Haridopolos said.
“And not only are we going to do it for the jobs, but here’s the even more important reason: We’re in a de-facto cold war right now with China. And we will have, under my push, space dominance to make sure that our men and women have the GPS and other devices necessary,” he said.
“God forbid we ever get in a war, space dominance is necessary. And that’s what we’re going to be pushing for every single day in the United States Congress,” he said.
Candidates’ endorsements
Haridopolos secured a wide range of endorsements. Among them were Donald Trump, former president of the United States and 2024 Republican presidential nominee; Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis; U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott: U.S. Rep. Bill Posey; U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson; House Majority Leader Steve Scalise; House Majority Whip Tom Emmer; House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik; Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody; Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis; Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson; Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey; plus more than 30 other locally elected officials in Brevard and in Indian River counties. He also was endorsed by the National Rifle Association and the National Federation of Independent Business.
Kennedy’s endorsements included the Democratic Party Environmental Caucus; the Democratic Party Jewish Caucus; Care for U.S. Committee to Protect Healthcare; Defense of Democracy; Gun Sense.
Haridopolos had a large advantage over Kennedy in campaign fundraising and spending in this election.
Rick Neale contributed to this story.
Dave Berman is business editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Berman at dberman@floridatoday.com, on X at @bydaveberman and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54
Results
With early voting and mail ballots counted and all precincts reporting their Election Day votes, here are the vote totals:
Haridopolos: 280,043 (62.25%)
Kennedy: 169,801 (37.75%)