SARASOTA – Months of campaigning in the midst of a global health pandemic paid off for Republican Fiona McFarland. The newly elected state house representative heads to Tallahassee representing District 72.
“I think we can all celebrate tonight that, yes I won yes the gang won, but overall democracy has won because voter turnout through the roof,” said Fiona McFarland.
In the race for the State House District 72 seat former Navy officer secured the win with 54% of votes to local attorney Drake Buckman’s 45%.
McFarlane’s campaign focused on protecting the environment surrounding the Phillippi Creek area. But helping those directly affected by the pandemic is will be her top priority.
“We have to figure out how to help small business. Folk are suffering, we have to make people feel safe in their health care; can afford the healthcare,” said McFarland. “There’s a lot of people hurting out and we’ve got to figure out how to take care of them.”
Buckman campaign centered on the premise of elected officials answering to their constituents. He says he ran his campaign with integrity that was based on local ideas. He hopes McFarland will see past party lines and fight for the residents of District 72.
“She’s got to do everything she can to look past her party, and she’s got to make sure that our beaches are protected, and that our schools are protected,” said Buckman. “And above all else she puts the interest of all of the citizens of District 72 over her party and over any of her politics.”
McFarlane’s win flips a crucial seat in the House of Representatives that was previously held by Democrat Margaret Good.
According to the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections website only 79% of the population in District 72 voted. Meaning more 70,000 registered voters did not make it to the polls this election season.
