Republican Fred Hawkins wins Florida House District 42 seat

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Republican candidate Fred Hawkins defeated Democratic candidate Barbara Cady and No Party Affiliated candidate Leroy Sanchez in the race for state representative of District 42.

Hawkins will represent portions of Polk and Osceola counties in Tallahassee.

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Hawkins released the following statement Tuesday night:

“I want to thank my family for their unwavering support and my incredible campaign team and volunteers who worked tirelessly on this race. Thank you to the voters of House District 42 who saw through all the negative attacks and cast their ballot for someone who is a proven leader and will always have their back. I look forward to representing the people of Osceola and Polk counties and fighting to protect Florida’s water and natural resources, and for public safety and education.”

In the race to win the seat in the House, Hawkins faced legal trouble.

Last year, he was arrested for impersonating an officer.

Hawkins allegedly attempted to gain access to an election of the Turnberry Reserve Homeowner’s Association, of which he was not a member, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

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He was caught on body camera video flashing a Special Deputy badge to former security officer Aily DePena, and saying “I’m with the Sheriff. You’re about to get arrested.”

Hawkins will not face criminal charges if he completes a pretrial diversion program, per an agreement with the State Attorney’s Office.

READ: Former Osceola County commissioner won’t face criminal charges if he completes pretrial diversion program, state attorney’s office says

In August, Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Hawkins. The order from the governor said Hawkins could not collect pay.

Hawkins' suspension does not apply to the new position, according to DeSantis.

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