Hillsborough Commission District 2 election results: Ken Hagan pulls away from Democrat challenger

The latest

• With early voting and some mail-in ballots counted, and 101 of 106 precincts reporting, GOP incumbent Ken Hagan has almost certainly beaten novice Angela Birdsong. The 53-47 percent margin has widened since the early vote totals were announced.
• Hagan had been expected to win easily over Birdsong, a first-time candidate who raised far less money.
• More election results here.

TAMPA – Ken Hagan appears headed to victory in a Hillsborough County Commission race that was expected by many over untested Democrat Angela Birdsong.

Birdsong, 58, was a first-time candidate who had been recruited by Ruth's List, a pro-choice, progressive group that seeks out strong women candidates for political office.

The district's 226,370 voters lean slightly Democratic with a sizable number of non-party affiliated voters.

Hagan far outspent Birdsong, raking in $556,349 in campaign cash compared to $33,846 for Birdsong.

Hagan has been the public official leading the charge to bring the Tampa Bay Rays to Ybor City.  Birdsong made an issue of his leadership on the commission, saying county taxpayers had better priorities for their tax dollars.

District 2 has been represented by term-limited Commissioner Victor Crist, who chose to run for a countywide seat. Crist lost to Democrat Mariella Smith.

For the first time since Hagan's first term on the board, he will be a member of a minority party.

He didn't respond to requests for comment on his victory Tuesday.

County Commissioners earn $99,997 and serve a four-year term.

For national and statewide election results check out The Buzz. 

For local election results check out the Bay Buzz. 

For school board election results check out The Gradebook.