Republican businessman Curt Clawson has won the special election to replace former Rep. Trey Radel (R-Fla.), the Associated Press reports.
Clawson easily defeated Democratic rival April Freeman in Tuesday's primary, in addition to Libertarian candidate Ray Netherwood.
Florida's 19th Congressional District, a largely Republican portion of southwest Florida, has not had representation since January, when Radel stepped down after pleading guilty to misdemeanor cocaine possession.
Clawson, who is retired, largely funded his own campaign, giving him an edge over his Republican opponents during his April primary.
As Reuters noted earlier Tuesday, Clawson will have to vie for reelection in November.
Calling all HuffPost superfans!
Sign up for membership to become a founding member and help shape HuffPost's next chapter
