Osceola County resident Erika Booth has secured the Republican nomination for state House District 35, decisively defeating Laura Gomez McAdams with over 60% of the vote in Tuesday’s primary election, according to unofficial results. With this victory, Booth now moves on to face Democratic Rep. Tom Keen, who currently holds the seat, in the upcoming November election.
“We haven’t stopped working, and we won’t stop working. We are going to win this seat back come November because our residents want a representative that supports public safety, will actually lower prices, and someone who will be a common sense voice. I’m both humbled and thankful to become the Republican nominee and look forward to November.”
Rep. Tom Keen, D-Orlando, narrowly won the seat earlier this year by a mere 589 votes following the resignation of Rep. Fred Hawkins, R-St. Cloud, who stepped down to assume the role of president at South Florida State College. Keen’s slim margin of victory has set the stage for a highly competitive race in District 35, which encompasses the Harmony area and the region east of Kissimmee.
Booth brings a wealth of experience to the race. A former teacher and member of the Osceola School Board, she has been recognized with “Teacher of the Year” honors at two of her previous schools. Her commitment to the community extends beyond education; Booth also worked for the local not-for-profit organization Community Vision, where she served as project manager for Youth Leadership Osceola and the Project Osceola Poverty Elimination Network, programs aimed at supporting at-risk youth and adults.
Booth’s candidacy has garnered significant support, including an endorsement from Governor Ron DeSantis in August. As she prepares to challenge Keen in the general election, Booth’s platform will likely focus on her extensive background in education and community service, which she believes positions her to address the needs and concerns of District 35’s residents effectively.
Booth’s campaign now turns its attention to the November election, where she aims to unseat Keen and bring a Republican perspective back to the district which was flipped by Keen in the special election.
The race for District 35 is expected to be closely watched as both candidates gear up for what promises to be a competitive and closely contested election.
