After eight years in the state House, Rep. John Legg, R-Port Richey, is heading to the Florida Senate.

Legg survived one of the most high-profile primary battles that featured a sitting senator being pushed aside from a re-election effort and a last-minute withdrawal that left the Democrats without a general election candidate.

See results here.

Legg released a statement Tuesday night crediting his volunteers and staff for the victory.

“As a member of the Florida Senate, I will carry my conservative message to Tallahassee and ensure that our community’s principles are upheld,” Legg stated. “I vow to work to jump-start our economy by reducing regulatory and tax burdens on our businesses, protect our core family values, and ensure that our children’s futures are bright.”

Legg, who has been the speaker pro temp the past two sessions, defeated John Korsak and Rob Wallace on Tuesday to take the District 17 seat that essentially was held by Sen. Jim Norman, R-St. Petersburg.

Norman, facing ethics challenges, withdrew from the contest as opponents, primarily Legg, were getting early backing for the seat that will now cover east Pasco and northwest Hillsborough counties.

The primary ended the contest as Democrat Wes Johnson dropped out of the race last week and party officials couldn’t find a replacement.

While a number of Senate primary battles were seen as referendums on the future leadership of the chamber, Legg was backed by the next two Florida Senate presidents, Senate President-designate Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, and Majority Leader Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, along with the two in contention for the post in four years: Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, and Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart.

Legg was able to spend $245,881 on the campaign, compared to $46,504 for Wallace and $16,945 for Korsak, a security consultant.



Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.