Bay County Commissioner Philip "Griff" Griffitts will represent Florida House District 6 after voters elected him over political newcomer Brian Clowdus in Tuesday's Republican primary.
All voters — regardless of party — had a chance to cast a ballot in the race.
Griffitts defeated Clowdus by nearly 33 percentage points. Of 29,152 ballots cast, Griffitts won about 66% — or 19,372. That's nearly 10,000 more votes than Clowdus. Clowdus received roughly 34% of the vote or 9,780 ballots cast.
The two Republicans were the only candidates in the race, meaning Griffitts will represent the county in the state House.
The district covers the entirety of Bay County.
Throughout the campaign, Griffitts touted his experience serving on the county commission during Hurricane Michael, the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent wildfires.
Griffitts will replace outgoing Panama City state Rep. Jay Trumbull, whose term limit in the House has expired.
Trumbull is running for state Senate District 2 in the general election after defeating his GOP primary opponent Regina Piazza. The House lawmaker will face Democrat Carolyn Zonia in November.
