Republican Mike Redondo Wins Special Election for Florida State House District 118
The special election was called following the resignation of State Representative Juan Fernandez-Barquin (R).
The special election occurred today to fill a vacancy in the Florida House of Representatives. This is the second special election in 2023 for the state’s lower legislative chamber, with one additional vacancy. The Democratic and Republican candidates were chosen through primaries in October.
The special election for Florida State House District 118 was called following the resignation of State Representative Juan Fernandez-Barquin, a Republican, to become Miami-Dade County Clerk and Comptroller. He represented this district from November 2018 to June 2023.
Republican Mike Redondo has been declared the winner in the special election. The race was called in his favor as he’s currently leading with 51.80% against Democrat Johnny Farias with 45.63% and Independent Francisco de la Paz with 2.57%. 8,760 votes have been counted.
The son of Cuban immigrants, Redondo founded Redondo Law in March 2019 where he represents corporate clients in personal injury claims, wrongful death claims, product liability suits, and federal and state securities class actions.
Farias immigrated to the United States from Ecuador at age 4. He is a U.S. Navy veteran and licensed electrician. Furthermore, he was the Democratic nominee for this district in 2022 - losing 68.4-31.6 to Fernandez-Barquin.
Florida State House District 118 covers parts of Miami-Dade County - spanning the neighborhoods of Goulds, Kendall, Perrine, South Miami Heights, Sunset and Westchester.
Once Redondo is sworn-in, Republicans will maintain control of the Florida House of Representatives with a 84-35 supermajority against Democrats. The remaining vacancy will be filled in a special election in January 2024. All 120 seats will be up for regular two-year terms in November 2024.