JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Republican Mayoral candidate Daniel Davis secured a spot in the May 16th runoff, earning just shy of 25% of the vote.
Davis took second place to Democrat Donna Deegan in the first round of the mayoral race, but he said in his victory speech this race is just the first hurdle.
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“This is not a victory. This is the halfway point. There’s much more to do,” said Davis.
Combined, Republican candidates secured a few thousand more votes in the first round, but now Davis must work to unite the local party if he hopes to overcome Deegan, who took nearly 40% of the vote, in the May runoff.
“Will we elect a mayor who will stand with Governor Ron DeSantis to keep Florida free? Or will we embrace the policies of the left that punish hardworking taxpayers?” said Davis.
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Davis thanked one of his Republican opponents, Councilmember Al Ferraro, for entering the race and elevating the conversation.
He made no mention on the stage of Councilmember LeAnna Cumber, who he engaged in a heated battle over the airwaves with throughout the past three months.
However, when we asked him directly, he said he’d be willing to work with any Republican to secure a victory in May.
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“I believe Jacksonville should have a brighter future and that’s everybody pulling the rope in the same direction. So, of course, I’m willing to work with anybody to make that happen,” said Davis.
Davis still has more cash on hand than Deegan, which could give him a slight edge.
However, it’s yet to be seen whether Cumber voters will be willing to cross over to the Davis camp after months of attack ads between the two candidates.
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