Former Congressman Alan Grayson easily romped home to victory over Republican Todd Long, a frequent long-shot congressional candidate and extremist.
Grayson handily carried the newly Florida Congressional District 9, with a commanding 62 percent of the vote to Long’s 38 percent.
Reacting to the Grayson victory, Florida Democratic Chair Rod Smith, issued the following statement:
“On behalf of Florida Democrats, we congratulate Congressman-elect Alan Grayson on his victory tonight. Alan Grayson has been a passionate advocate for Democrats, progressive causes and middle class families – and the ‘Congressman with Guts’ is back where he belongs. The residents of central Florida will have a true voice fighting for them, and a champion in the United States Congress.”
Grayson, a liberal spokesman and a champion for progressive Central Florida, characterized his victory as one for jobs, health care, justice, equality and peace.
Florida Congressional District 9 includes southern Orange County, Osceola County and eastern Polk County.