First batch of vote-by-mail ballots go out in SD 14 Special Election between Josie Tomkow, Brian Nathan

The early voting process has begun in the Senate District 14 Special Election, with voters set to receive vote-by-mail ballots in a race that pits Republican Rep. Josie Tomkow against Democrat Brian Nathan.

The Hillsborough County Elections Office has begun mailing ballots to eligible voters, marking the first tangible step in the Special Election. Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer announced that his Office has mailed 495 vote-by-mail ballots to overseas voters and absent military personnel eligible to participate in the election.

The Elections Office is also prepared to send more than 44,000 additional vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters on Feb. 19.

Vote-by-mail ballots are sent only to registered voters who request one. Only voters residing within Senate District 14 are eligible to participate in the Special Election. Latimer encouraged voters who intend to vote by mail to submit their requests as soon as possible.

“It’s so easy,” Latimer said in a statement. “Voters can submit the request online at VoteHillsborough.gov or call my office to make their request.”

The field narrowed after two Republican candidates dropped. Melanie Griffin failed to qualify for the ballot, while Amaro Lionheart withdrew from the race, leaving Tomkow unopposed for the GOP nomination. Nathan likewise advanced to the General Election without Democratic opposition.

Campaign finance reports show Tomkow’s campaign entering the final stretch of the race with a substantial fundraising advantage. Through early January, Tomkow reported raising more than $239,000 in monetary contributions. Her political committee, Friends of Josie Tomkow, has also raised nearly $320,000 since December.

Nathan reported raising more $50,000 in contributions over the same period. His PC, Building Back Florida, has raised $12,500.

The two candidates aim to fill the former seat of Sen. Jay Collins, who vacated the seat following his appointment as Lieutenant Governor. Collins has since announced his candidacy for Florida’s gubernatorial seat. 

Key deadlines remain ahead of Election Day. The deadline to register to vote is Feb. 23, while requests for vote-by-mail ballots must be received by March 12. Early voting is scheduled to run from March 14 through March 21, and Election Day is set for March 24.