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Chris Latvala wins against Dawn Douglas in rematch for House District 67

According to unofficial results, Latvala secured 57 percent of the vote with all precincts counted
 
State Rep. Chris Latvala took the lead in the race for a fourth and final term in the Florida House District 67 seat.
State Rep. Chris Latvala took the lead in the race for a fourth and final term in the Florida House District 67 seat. [ Latvala campaign ]
Published Nov. 4, 2020|Updated Nov. 4, 2020

Republican incumbent Chris Latvala won easily Tuesday night in a race to secure a fourth and final term as the state House District 67 representative serving parts of central Pinellas County.

For the second time since the 2018 election, Latvala faced off against local teacher and Democrat Dawn Douglas. With all precincts reporting, Latvala had about 57 percent of the vote. The results are unofficial however, as some absentee ballots remain to be counted.

Latvala, 38, a Realtor and consultant, has served in the House since 2014. He spent election night watching returns with his family, and then grabbed dinner at Bascom’s Chop House with friends. During a phone interview with the Tampa Bay Times Tuesday night, he thanked his supporters.

“I’m going to work hard to make them proud and work hard to make sure they don’t regret that decision,” he said.

Douglas could not be reached for comment.

Latvala, the son of former state Sen. Jack Latvala, has focused many of his latest efforts on youth and children. Recently, he sponsored a child abuse prevention and response bill, “Jordan’s Law,” which was signed into law in June. The bill cuts social workers’ caseloads in half when possible and increases communication between police and child welfare groups.

Douglas moved to Pinellas County in first grade. She has advocated for public education as well as healthcare and transportation, among other issues.

Latvala garnered $353,460 in monetary donations and $17,884 in in-kind contributions, while Douglas received $13,676.27 in monetary contributions and reported $2,500 in loans.

District 67 covers parts of Largo and Clearwater, with a nearly even split of Democrats, Republicans and unaffiliated voters. Florida state House representatives serve two-year terms and earn an annual salary of $29,697.

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