NAPLES, Fla. — Florida’s Republican Gov. Rick Scott declared victory after a very narrow win in the race for U.S. Senate, despite not receiving a concession call from Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson.
Scott was up by a less than 1 percentage point with all ballots counted, according to state election officials. Scott’s win was bigger than the half a percentage point that would trigger an automatic recount by the state.
Nelson, the incumbent, has held the seat since 2001. His defeat would cost Democrats yet another Senate seat.
Scott called the campaign “divisive and tough,” and said the political contests have become “way too divisive and nasty.”
Scott said Americans “come together and that is what we are doing to do.”
Scott called Florida “the envy of the United States,” and said it’s “shocking that people are actually suggesting we embrace socialism.”
Scott said socialism “is not going to happen under my watch” and promised to “get something done” in Washington, D.C.
Scott promised to “change the direction of Washington, D.C.”
