TAMPA, Fla. — Democratic candidates in Tampa and across Hillsborough County won every one of the four County Commission seats on Tuesday’s ballot, and two of those victories came in districts Republicans had controlled, according to early, unofficial returns posted by the county’s Supervisor of Elections office.
In District 5, a countywide seat, Neil Manimala took about 55% of the vote to beat Republican Stacy Hahn, who had about 45%. Manimala, a urologist and surgeon, campaigned on easing traffic by repairing roads and expanding public transit, and said he would work with members of both parties.
Hahn, a former member of the county School Board, reached the general election after defeating incumbent Commissioner Donna Cameron Cepeda in the Republican primary, leaning on her years in public office.
In District 7, Aileen Rodriguez won with about 56% over Republican Joshua Wostal. In a statement from her campaign, Rodriguez said voters wanted a fairer, kinder and more respectful style of local government and thanked supporters from every party.
Two Democratic incumbents also held on. Commissioner Harry Cohen beat former state Rep. Jackie Toledo in District 1 with roughly 56% of the vote, and Commissioner Gwen Myers cruised in District 3 with about 72% over Republican Luiz F. F. Garcia.
Manimala also pledged to steer clear of divisive issues that have little bearing on county business, while Rodriguez promised to represent every resident regardless of party. Hillsborough voters also weighed county charter referendums on the same ballot. All of the numbers remain unofficial until county election officials certify them.
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