Tampa Bay Primary Elections Conclude, Universal Primaries Name Early Winners
In Tampa Bay, Florida, primary races for the State House and Senate concluded with several incumbents and newcomers securing nominations. Notably, three Tampa Bay races were decided through universal primaries where all registered voters could cast ballots, as only candidates…
Tampa St. Petersburg, FL, August 18, 2026 —
Primary elections for Florida’s State House and Senate seats in the Tampa Bay area have concluded, determining which candidates will advance to the general election in November. Several incumbents and new faces have secured nominations, with a notable number of races being decided through the state’s universal primary system.
Three specific races in the Tampa Bay region were decided via universal primaries. This electoral process allows all registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, to cast ballots in a primary if only candidates from a single party qualified for the ballot. In these instances, the winners of the primary automatically secure their seats, as they will not face opposition from other parties in the general election.
As a result of these universal primaries, Fentrice Driskell has secured the nomination for Senate District 16. Similarly, Kyandra Darling earned the nomination for House District 62, and Jacqueline Coffie-Leeks will advance as the nominee for House District 63. These candidates will not face further contests in the upcoming November elections.
In other State House and Senate primary races across Tampa Bay, candidates who won their respective nominations will proceed to compete against opponents from different political parties in the general election. The outcomes of these races will be determined by voters in November.
Story summarized from the original created by By Romy Ellenbogen, Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau on www.tampabay.com, see more information here.
