By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor
Rep. Doug Bankson continued his electoral winning streak Wednesday, but it wasn't easy. Bankson edged challenger Marsha Summersill in the Florida House District 39 election with 46,121 votes (52.56%), while Summersill received 41,623 (47.44%).
Bankson was a member of the Apopka City Council from 2016 until he was elected to State House District 39 in the Florida Legislature in 2022. Counting primaries, runoffs, and general elections, this is his sixth straight successful campaign.
However, Summersill's performance as a first-time candidate was impressive. Despite a fundraising shortfall that saw Bankson collect almost $128,000 to her $33,000, Summersill came close to upsetting an undefeated incumbent.
At the campaign's close, she viewed the election as a mixed experience.
“My first endeavor into the world of politics has exposed me to positive and negative aspects," she said in a statement to The Apopka Voice. "My focus is on the positive. I met so many people in the campaign process and in the communities where I work and live. I discussed hard topics with people that have different views, and we found common ground to build on. I successfully connected with independent voters, republican voters and democrat voters. What I learned is that we all have very similar goals. My purpose for attempting to enter the field of governing was to ensure that our common goals were accomplished. There is no dispute that we want safe and thriving communities, we want a clean and pristine environment, we want reasonable expenses, and we want the decisions made in our state government to reflect the needs of all of us that reside in this great state.
The outcome of my first race was not favorable to me, but the connections made during this process to my community because of my running for office are invaluable. I built relationships that will forge new ideas to strengthen our state and local communities.
I feel privileged and frankly blessed to have earned the votes cast for me in this race. The support was amazing, and I am proud to have had bipartisan and non-party affiliated support.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to the voters in district 39. We are an amazing community.
Thank you so much."
Despite the narrow margin, Bankson returns as a two-term representative and is part of a super-majority for Republicans.
"We are elated with this win, and on such a monumental night across the nation," he said in a statement to The Apopka Voice. "I believe it’s a great opportunity for a new start for everyone.
I’m so grateful for all the support and help from our team, and want to thank all those who cast their vote to get me across the finish line. It was truly a team effort and a team win.
I am here to serve not only those who supported me, but everyone in our district and the state. As a people, we may not always agree on every thing, but we can turn division to discourse if we are willing to listen and find our common ground. I pledge to do my part to bring that to pass.
I want to especially thank my wife and family, and to thank God for this opportunity to serve. I also want to thank my wonderful congregation for allowing me to serve others which is the essence of our purpose on earth.
Finally, I want to dedicate this victory to my dear grandmother who passed away this October 3rd at 106 years young. We were very close and she lived a truly storied life, and was a great inspiration to me. She taught me to live by the scripture, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might”, and that’s been a principle I seek to live my life by.
Now it’s time for us to come together as a nation, put behind us our differences, and find the common ground upon which to build a solid foundation and future. With our good effort and God’s great blessing, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish. I’m ready to get to work!"
The Regular Session of the Florida Legislature convenes at noon on March 4th, 2025.
