ORLANDO, Florida — Democratic candidate Kristen Carlson is running for U.S. House District 15, which covers parts of Hillsborough, Polk and Lake counties.

  • Democrat Kristen Carlson running for U.S. House District 15 seat
  • She's running against Republican Ross Spano for the seat
  • DECISION 2018: Latest News | Voting Guide

The Tampa attorney won the Democratic Primary for Florida's 15th Congressional District, with 53 percent of the vote.

She beat Navy veteran Andrew Learned, who received 31.5 percent of the vote, and retired police detective Ray Pena, who had 15 percent of the vote. 

In her campaign, Carlson said she would protect Medicare and Social security, make healthcare more affordable and accessible, and bring higher paying jobs to U.S. District 15.

When asked the infrastructure between the I-4 corridor between Orlando and Tampa, Carlson said the right infrastructure isn't in place.

"We have one of the most dangerous highways ... I think it's labeled the most dangerous artery in the United States," Carlson told Political Connections' Ybeth Bruzual. 

To remedy the infrastructure issue, Carlson added, "We clearly need to start weaning ourselves from cars, and I think a lot of the millennials, the younger generation, they don't want to be driving on the highway. They would love public transportation and more public transportation options."

Carlson is running against Republican State Rep. Ross Spano of Hillsborough County for the seat.

District 15 is currently represented by Republican Dennis Ross, who is not seeking another term in office. The district has traditionally seen Republican leadership.


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