Melo Wins Florida Senate District 28 Seat
Republican Lauren Melo defeated Democrat David Silverberg to claim the Senate District 28 seat being vacated by Kathleen Passidomo.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
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Republican Lauren Melo won Florida Senate District 28, receiving 142,378 votes to Democrat David Silverberg's 86,454, according to unofficial returns from the Division of Elections. Melo will succeed Kathleen Passidomo, who could not seek re-election due to term limits.
Why it matters
The seat's transition reflects the district's strong Republican lean, with Trump carrying 65% of the district's vote in 2024. Melo's victory keeps the seat in Republican hands as Passidomo's long tenure ends.
Melo carried all three counties in the district, winning Collier 108,381 to 61,210, the Lee County portion 28,419 to 20,820, and Hendry 5,578 to 4,424. Official certification of these unofficial returns had not been reported at the time of the extraction.
The players
Lauren Melo
A Republican from Naples who was first elected to the Florida House in 2020 and won the Senate District 28 seat, raising roughly $344,000 through her campaign account.
Kathleen Passidomo
A Florida state senator who could not run again because of term limits and endorsed Melo within 24 hours of her February 2025 filing.
David Silverberg
The Democratic candidate who lost the Senate District 28 race to Melo, raising about $10,000 during his campaign.
The details
Melo drew no Primary opponent and had been first elected to the Florida House in 2020. Passidomo endorsed her within 24 hours of Melo filing in February 2025, and Senate leadership along with multiple organizations backed her campaign that March.
Timeline
February 2025: Melo files to run for Senate District 28.
March 2025: Senate leadership and multiple organizations endorse Melo.
End of March 2025: Silverberg files to run for the seat.
November 3, 2026: Melo wins the Senate District 28 election.
2027 Legislative Session: Melo plans to continue her work in the Senate.
Political Context
Senate District 28 has been a Republican stronghold, which Melo's 62% share of the vote reinforces against Democratic challenger Silverberg. The seat's change of hands from Passidomo, who was term-limited, continues the district's Republican control under the state's term limit rules.
Residents of Collier, Lee, and Hendry counties will have Melo as their state senator, a change in representation as Passidomo's tenure ends. The shift affects which legislator voters in the district will contact on state policy matters.
The takeaway
District voters have chosen a successor who has already built strong party and leadership backing, a pattern that shapes who represents the region in Tallahassee. Following the official certification will confirm the final result.
What happens next
Melo is expected to take up her Senate work during the 2027 Legislative Session.
Further reading
Explore more on Florida Elections coverage for context on state races.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..
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