Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida, significantly improved his winning margin in 2024 compared to his narrow victory in 2018, his first year in the Senate.
Scott defeated Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell with 12.76 percent, the Fox News Decision Desk projected Tuesday. Scott served as Florida's governor for several years before joining the Florida Senate in 2016, defeating Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson, winning by just 0.2 percentage points.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) hugs a supporter at an election observation party on election night, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Bonita Springs, Florida. (Related news organizations)
In addition to running for re-election, Scott is also a candidate for Senate president following the resignation of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Scott will face other Republicans vying for the job, including Senate Minority Whip Sen. John Thune (R.S.D.) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas).
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Prior to joining Congress, Mr. Scott served as the 45th Governor of the Sunshine State, a position he held from 2011 to 2018.
Scott's margin of victory was wider than expected because Democrats in the state had hoped the election would be an opportunity for Democrats to flip the seat.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) speaks at an election observation party on election night, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Bonita Springs, Florida. (Related news organizations)
”[Floridians] ready to retire [Scott] And we're going to put people in the United States Senate who are going to work for us,” Mucarsel-Powell said during the campaign, according to The Daily Beast.
“Rick Scott is the most wounded bird of all,” John Morgan, a major donor to the Florida Democratic Party, told The Daily Beast earlier this year. Meanwhile, the NDP insisted Scott's Senate seat is “valid,” Politico reported.
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Mr. Mucarsel Powell and Mr. Scott have raised similar war chests, but Mr. Scott has raised millions of dollars more than his Democratic challenger, according to FEC records. But Scott has the advantage of being self-funded, contributing at least $24.5 million to his campaign. Mucarsel-Powell reportedly raised more money than Scott in donations alone.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) arrives with his wife, Anne, at an election watch party in Bonita Springs, Fla., on Tuesday night, Nov. 5, 2024, in Bonita Springs, Florida. (Related news organizations)
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“Our job is not done yet. There's another election next week – Senate Republican leadership.” Scott said at a victory rally Tuesday night. “We need the Republican Party to start solving the problems in this country, and we have quite a few problems. Florida is the Republican capital of this country. Washington has a very large number of problems because of what we've done. You'll be able to learn about “right here in this great state.'' ”
