Salzman Upsets Incumbent in Florida House Primary

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Michelle Salzman
Dave Dunwoody, WUWF Public Media

This story originally aired on Aug. 19, 2020.

Michelle Salzman
Credit Dave Dunwoody, WUWF Public Media

Florida’s state House District-1 is getting a new face in Tallahassee, as the race is set for the seat is set for Nov. 3.

Newcomer Michelle Salzman defeated incumbent Mike Hill in Tuesday’s Republican primary, 53-47% in what some are calling a major upset.

The campaign was a rancorous one from Hill’s side, accusing Salzman of, among other things, calling for the defunding of police in the wake of the George Floyd killing. Salzman denied the allegation, and said she expected those tactics.

Awaiting Salzman on Nov. 3 is Democratic nominee Franscine Mathis. 

If elected, Salzman boils down her to-do list to three words: safety, infrastructure and education. And she’ll be seeking guidance.

And a reminder – the results of Tuesday night’s primaries are unofficial numbers. They’ll be certified by county canvassing boards later this week.

Copyright 2020 WUWF

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Dave came to WUWF in September, 2002, after 14 years as News Director at the Alabama Radio Network in Montgomery, Mobile and Birmingham and a total of 27 years in commercial radio. He's also served as Alabama Bureau Chief for United Press International, and a stringer for the Birmingham Post-Herald.