Linda Chaney leads over incumbent Jennifer Webb in Pinellas House race

Republican challenger Linda Chaney appeared poised for an upset over Democratic incumbent Jennifer Webb in the race for House District 69 representing communities largely along the southern Pinellas County coast.

With all precincts reporting, Chaney had about 52 percent of the vote, according to unofficial results. Some absentee ballots remain to be counted.

“I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to represent the community of District 69,” Chaney said in a statement. “This journey has introduced me to many kinds of people whom i am happy to serve. I am beyond thrilled and I am ready to get to work in Tallahassee!”

Chaney co-founded Tampa Bay Mobile Mammography and ran it until Dec. 2019, when she sold it to AdventHealth. She also served as a St. Pete Beach commissioner from 2007 to 2009. In addition to her role as a state representative, Webb is a founder and partner at OmniPublic, a business development and public affairs consulting firm.

Chaney’s campaign focused on the environment, the economy and healthcare, among other issues. She advocated for lower taxes, vocational training and removal of regulations.

Webb also emphasized environmental issues, highlighting her advocacy in this area, and also focused on issues of federal relief funding, unemployment and small businesses. She highlighted her co-sponsorship of a Red Tide mitigation bill, a climate research bill and an anti-fracking bill. She also pledged to push for a bill that would incentivize schools to use solar power.

Webb raised $327,818.74 in monetary donations and $33,405.94 in in-kind contributions, while Chaney raised $66,665.80 in monetary donations and $62,133.96 in in-kind contributions.

District 69 stretches from Redington Shores to St. Pete Beach and Tierra Verde. It includes most of Gulfport, East and West Lealman, and parts of St. Petersburg and Pinellas Park. Florida state House representatives serve two-year terms and earn a salary of $29,697 per year.

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