| Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) was reelected to a second term in Florida, The Associated Press projected, defeating Democratic challenger Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. Scott, a former health care executive who's one of the wealthiest members of Congress, will next run for GOP leader to try to succeed Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). Scott has been a staunch ally to Donald Trump, becoming the first member of Congress to appear at the Manhattan trial before many other Republicans would eventually follow suit. Scott is a former two-term governor of Florida who won past races by razor-thin margins, including his 2018 win against then-Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson that ignited a recount. But in recent years Florida has shifted more red, creating an environment more favorable for Scott. Scott retaining his seat is key for Republicans, who are looking to flip the chamber and had comparatively few seats to defend. The senator spent much of the closing weeks of his campaign focused on helping with hurricane recovery efforts following the wreckage to Florida from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. He twice appeared alongside President Joe Biden to brief him about the hurricanes and tour the devastation, and to push for replenishing federal disaster programs that help homeowners and businesses repair their properties. Read the latest
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