LGBTQ candidates had a disappointing showing in Florida.
David Richardson lost the election for Miami-Dade County Tax Collector.
Richardson, a Democrat, was defeated by Republican Dariel Fernandez 55.6% (567,601 votes) to 44.3% (459,445 votes).
“I’m disappointed, but I’m in a good space,” Richardson posted on Facebook. “I’m so proud of the campaign we ran, and appreciate all the support surrounding me.”
A former state representative and Miami Beach commissioner, Richardson said the partisan divide was too big to overcome.
“There is nothing I would have done differently,” he said. “There is nothing I could have done to change the outcome. It was a wave!”
It was the first time in more than 60 years that voters in Miami-Dade County elected a tax collector.
Elsewhere, LGBTQ Victory Fund backed candidate Nathan Bruemmer lost a bid for the Florida House of Representatives in District 61.
Bruemmer, a trans man, lost to incumbent Republican Linda Chaney in the Tampa area district.
Democrat Ashley Brundage, who would have been Florida’s first transgender legislator, lost her race as well.
LGBTQ candidates Joe Saunders and Nate Douglas also lost bids for the Florida House of Representatives.
Further north, Democrat Allison Tant held off a strong challenge from newcomer Spencer Brass, a gay Republican, to hold on to her state house seat in Tallahassee area District 9.
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