April 13, 2010 (2010-04-13) 2010 → 62.1% 35.1% | 43,255 24,539 | |
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The 2010 special election for Florida's 19th congressional district took place on April 13, 2010, to fill the vacancy caused by Representative Robert Wexler's resignation, effective the evening of January 3, 2010, from the United States House of Representatives. Wexler, who had represented the 19th district since 1997, left Congress to become president of the Center for Middle East Peace & Economic Cooperation.
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Governor Charlie Crist on November 4, 2009 set the primary for February 2 and the general election for April 13, 2010 (rescheduled from April 6 to avoid Passover). Democrat Ted Deutch won the Special Election with 62%, with Republican Edward Lynch received 35%. This was the first election since the passage of the Healthcare reform bill. This district leans strongly Democratic with a Cook PVI of D+15.
Democrats
Republicans
Independent
Primary campaign
The primary, held on February 2, received little media attention. Democratic State Senator Ted Deutch, who was endorsed by Wexler, won the Democratic Primary. Deutch raised more money than any other candidate, close to one million dollars. While Graber, in his 2008 primary challenge to Congressman Wexler, vocally attacked his opponent, the Democratic Primary this time remained more toned down. Graber argued that he was the most liberal candidate; while Deutch highlighted his accomplishments as State Senator.
The Republican primary was more closely fought. Lynch and Budd attacked each other over debts owed by their respective businesses, and all three vied to get the tea-party movement's backing. Both Budd and Price said they would not support Lynch in the general election if he won the primary due to the back taxes owed on his business. The result was extremely close, with Lynch defeating Budd by 46 votes.