GOP loses control of Hillsborough commission after surprise departure
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Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
Republicans lost control of Hillsborough's commission after Michael Owen ditched his seat to run for the state Legislature.
Why it matters: Owen's move upended a handful of local races and also neutered his fellow Republican commissioners, who held a one-seat edge over Democrats before his departure.
- The commission represents Hillsborough's 1.4 million residents.
Catch up quick: Owen resigned from the commission on June 11 to announce a last-minute bid for a state House seat that covers parts of southern Hillsborough and northern Manatee counties.
- He had tried (and failed) to make it to the Legislature in 2020.
- Two Republicans, two Democrats and an independent have qualified for the race to succeed Owen in District 4 — where the GOP outpaces Democrats in active registered voters.
The big picture: Republicans wrested control of Hillsborough County from Democrats in 2022, and have leveraged that power to torpedo Pride commendations, slash affordable housing programs and more.
- Owen and GOP Commissioner Joshua Wostal often introduced some of the commission's most controversial policies. But for now, Wostal tells Axios, that conservative agenda is "on hold."
The intrigue: Gov. Ron DeSantis could appoint Republican hopeful Christine Miller to replace Owen ahead of November's election, giving her another edge in the crowded field.
- Miller holds a massive cash advantage over her rivals. DeSantis' office did not respond when asked by Axios whether he plans to fill Owen's seat.
What they're saying: "No matter the makeup of the commission, I will always advocate passionately to focus our efforts on the critical road, sidewalk, and bridge repairs our county faces," Wostal says.
- Owen did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment but told the Tampa Bay Times that serving Hillsborough residents has been his "greatest honor."