Republican Ryan Chamberlin wins state House District 24 seat

OCALA, Fla. (FLV) – Republican Ryan Chamberlin defeated write-in candidate Republican Robert Fox in the special election for the Florida House of Representatives District 24 seat.

Chamberlin won by a margin of 78%-22%. Marion County saw a 6.5% voter turnout, according to the elections website.

District 24 is just south of Ocala and the surrounding areas.

“I am honored to officially be elected to the Florida House of Representatives and proud to be serving Marion County,” Chamberlin said on Facebook.

“Thank you all for your support. I am especially grateful for my wife Jenny Becerril Chamberlin and family for their support and hard work in helping make this great day happen,” he said.

GOP Chairman Christian Ziegler congratulated the newly elected representative on Twitter.

“Congratulations to the newest Republican Member of the Florida House of Representatives – Ryan Chamberlin! Good win tonight. You’ll do a great job!” Ziegler said.

The special election was needed after Rep. Joe Harding, R-Ocala, resigned from the state legislature after the announcement of a federal grand jury’s indictment for wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements.

Harding ultimately pled guilty.