The 52-year-old Republican defeated Democrat Gay Valimont in a special election held after Matt Gaetz resigned late last year.

Republican Jimmy Patronis beat Democrat Gay Valimont. The party also held another Florida seat in Tuesday's special election.

Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender said every voter in line before polls closed at 7 p.m. would be able to cast their ballot.

Patronis dominated votes in three of the four counties that make up the district, but Valimont won Escambia County where she had 52.69% of the vote. Turnout in Escambia County was 33%, higher than ...