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Axios Tampa Bay
GOP loses control of Hillsborough commission after surprise departure
By Yacob Reyes,
2024-06-25
Republicans lost control of Hillsborough's commission after Michael Owen ditched his seat to run for the state Legislature.
Why it matters: Owen's move upended a handful of local races and also neutered his fellow Republican commissioners, who held a one-seat edge over Democrats before his departure.
The commission represents Hillsborough's 1.4 million residents.
Catch up quick: Owen resigned from the commission on June 11 to announce a last-minute bid for a state House seat that covers parts of southern Hillsborough and northern Manatee counties.
He had tried ( and failed ) to make it to the Legislature in 2020.
Two Republicans, two Democrats and an independent have qualified for the race to succeed Owen in District 4 — where the GOP outpaces Democrats in active registered voters.
Owen and GOP Commissioner Joshua Wostal often introduced some of the commission's most controversial policies. But for now, Wostal tells Axios, that conservative agenda is "on hold."
The intrigue: Gov. Ron DeSantis could appoint Republican hopeful Christine Miller to replace Owen ahead of November's election, giving her another edge in the crowded field.
Miller holds a massive cash advantage over her rivals. DeSantis' office did not respond when asked by Axios whether he plans to fill Owen's seat.
What they're saying: "No matter the makeup of the commission, I will always advocate passionately to focus our efforts on the critical road, sidewalk, and bridge repairs our county faces," Wostal says.
Owen did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment but told the Tampa Bay Times that serving Hillsborough residents has been his "greatest honor."
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