TAMPA -- Tuesday is primary day in Florida, and several important contests are on the ballot in the Tampa Bay area.
In Congressional contests, first-term Republican Representative Ross Spano is under investigation after admitting he deposited $180,000 in donations, labeling it a campaign loan to avoid restrictions. GOP Challenger Scott Franklin, a Lakeland city commissioner, has been getting support from Northwest Florida congressman Matt Gaetz. Franklin says Spano's legal issues could make him vulnerable in November. Three Democrats are also battling for the right to face Spano in the general election.
Hillsborough sheriff Chad Chronister is facing a primary challenge from Charles Boswell, who criticized his decision to arrest a pastor for holding church services during the lockdown, and accuses him of being too chummy with Democrats.
Florida is a closed primary state, and most partisan contests in the Bay area are limited to registered Republicans and Democrats. One exception is state House District 70. The four candidates are all Democrats, but the vote is open to all because there's no Republican, minor party, or write-in candidate. Another universal primary is the contest for Pasco County Commission District 4, where all of the candidates are Republicans.
Non partisan races include school board contests in Pinellas and Pasco counties.
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