Pilon Rides Republican Wave to Shock Democratic Star Incumbent Keith Fitzgerald in Florida House Dist. 69 Race

BRADENTON – Keith Fitzgerald was one of the few bright spots for local Democrats in recent years, winning a difficult district and rising to the top of the state party with the help

Ray Pilon

of his encyclopedic knowledge of public policy. Nicknamed the professor, Fitzgerald was tapped early to help craft proposed legislation and quickly ascended the ranks in the House.

Despite the makings of a strong, successful career, Fitzgerald was unable to overcome the Republican wave of support that swept through the state last night, narrowly losing to former county commissioner Ray Pilon by three points, in a loss that will be devastating to a party already reeling from the expected damages of a tough political year.