NewsCreative Loafing Tampa Bay — NewsAugust 11, 2026Hillsborough
Fentrice Driskell and Michele Rayner compete for Florida Senate District 16 seat
Democratic state Representatives Fentrice Driskell and Michele Rayner are competing in a primary election for the Florida Senate District 16 seat. The election is scheduled for August 18 and covers parts of Tampa and St. Petersburg.
Read the full story at Creative Loafing Tampa Bay — NewsWhy It Matters
The outcome of this primary will determine which Democratic candidate advances to represent the residents of Senate District 16, which includes downtown areas of Tampa and St. Petersburg.
Key Facts
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Who's Mentioned
personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida”locationSenate District 16“The legislative district encompassing downtown Tampa and St. Petersburg”personJervonte Edmonds“Florida House Representative who endorsed Driskell”organizationAssociated Industries of Florida“Business group that contributed to Driskell's PAC”personFentrice Driskell“Democratic state Representative and current House Democratic leader”organizationCreative Loafing Tampa“Publisher of the news article”organizationPeople for Honor Project“Political committee that sent mailers regarding Rayner”personBenjamin Crump“Civil rights attorney”organizationFort Meade LLC“Company that contributed to People for Honor Project”personMarkeis McGlockton“Subject of a 2018 shooting case handled by Rayner”organizationMeta Platforms Inc.“Tech company that contributed to Driskell”personDarryl Rouson“Current state Senator for District 16, term-limited”organizationEquality Florida Action PAC“PAC that contributed to Rayner”organizationCoalition for Better Care PC“PAC that contributed to Rayner”personMichele Rayner“Democratic state Representative and civil rights attorney”personAnna Eskamani“Florida House Representative who supported Rayner early”personMike Gottlieb“Florida House Representative who co-endorsed both candidates”