With Mike Fasano vacating House District 36 after his appointment by Governor Scott as tax collector of Pasco County, a special election was held on October 15th. Democrat Amanda Murphy defeated Republican Bill Gunter, both of New Port Richey, 51%-49%. Though she won by only 322 votes, it did not trigger an automatic recount. In a race where a combined $500,000 was raised, Murphy earned a critical last minute endorsement from Fasano. Representative Murphy joins Representative Mike Hill (R-Pensacola), who was elected in June, as the newest members of the House.
