Newcomer wins House seat without a vote

Clay County Republican among dozens who drew no opposition

Travis Cummings

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Republican Travis Cummings, a benefits consulting firm owner and Clay County commissioner, will walk into a seat in the Florida House of Representatives without a vote.   Cummings is the only candidate for House District 18, which includes northern Clay County.

"This new seat has given us the unique opportunity to elect one of Clay County's own, and I am excited to roll up my sleeves and get to work, and be the strong conservative voice our families and neighbors need in Tallahassee," Cummings, of Orange Park, said in a statement. "Having deep family roots in our community, it is important to me that we continue to grow our economy and create jobs for our residents and all Floridians."

Recommended Videos



Cummings is one of two Republican and two Democratic candidates were essentially elected to the House on Friday when qualifying closed and they didn't have any opposition in either the August primary or November general election.

In House District 22, a mostly rural area along the Nature Coast west of Gainesville and into the Ocala area, Republican Charlie Stone drew no opposition. Stone, owner of Stone Petroleum Products, is currently on the Marion County Commission.

Two Democrats will walk unopposed into the House, as well. Victor Torres, a labor activist, was elected to District 48 in Orange County.

"My district will have a tireless representative who will always remember that, too often, too many are left behind," Torres said. "We will be changing that in the next legislative session…..For too long, the collective voice of Florida's working class families has been silenced in Tallahassee. We will build a coalition that addresses their needs and concerns."

Torres, who is of Puerto Rican descent, is a former New York City Transit cop.

The other Democrat elected without opposition is Shevrin Jones, who was the only candidate to qualify in District 101 in Broward County.

These newcomers join dozens of incumbent state lawmaker who drew no opposition.  Among veteran Norrtheast Florida lawmakers who will serve another two years by simplying qualifying with the state election office:

  • District 10 - Liz Porter, R-Lake City
  • District 13 - Reggie Fullwood, D-Jacksonville
  • District 15 - Daniel Davis, R-Jacksonville
  • District 16 - Charles McBurney, R-Jacksonville
  • District 19 - Charles Van Zant, R-Keystone Heights