Recounts have confirmed businessman Joe Strada as the Republican nominee for Florida’s 11th Congressional District, advancing him to a November contest against Democrat James Pericola and Libertarian Ralph Groves for the seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster. 

Strada finished with 27,388 votes, or about 33.5% of the Republican primary vote, across Orange, Lake and Sumter counties. Former Lake County property appraiser and state lawmaker Carey Baker placed second with 26,995 votes, or about 33%, leaving Strada with a 393-vote advantage. 

The narrow margin triggered a machine recount after the Aug. 18 primary. The Lake County Supervisor of Elections announced Aug. 22 that its recount gave one additional vote each to Strada and Baker, producing no change in their margin in that county. Orange and Sumter counties have published official results. 

Strada thanked voters and election officials in a Facebook statement posted after the recounts.  

“Congressional District 11 represents the best of our state and our nation,” Strada said. “In just 10 weeks, our team knocked on thousands of doors, and I personally met nearly 3,000 Central Floridians on their front porches, in forums and halls across the district.” 

Strada said he was grateful to have earned voters’ trust and looked ahead to the general election. 

“To our competitors, their supporters and those who may have sat this one out, I’m eager to earn your support and welcome you to the team as we work together toward victory in November,” he said. 

Strada, owner and executive chairman of Strada Services, told The Apopka Chief before the primary that his priorities include immigration enforcement, government accountability and addressing the shortage of skilled workers. He said he would bring experience building a company with more than 4,000 employees across 11 states. 

Pericola, a lawyer who won the three-candidate Democratic primary with about 43.6% of the vote, has already begun criticizing his Republican opponent. 

“You don’t serve Central Florida by hiding behind a $5 million checkbook and skipping debates,” Pericola wrote in a Facebook post. “You do it by showing up, talking to voters, and doing the work.”  

In the questionnaire published before the primary, Pericola told The Apopka Chief that his campaign focused on protecting Social Security and Medicare, making health care more affordable, and cutting taxes for working families. 

Webster announced his retirement in April and endorsed Baker as his preferred successor. Strada, Pericola and Groves will compete in the Nov. 3 general election.