Florida House Race Result: Joe Garcia Projected To Win
Florida House Race: Joe Garcia Projected To Win
Nov. 06, 2012 — -- Based on exit polls and analysis of the vote, ABC News projects that Democrat Joe Garcia will defeat Republican David Rivera for a House seat in Florida's 26th congressional district.
At 10:57 PM, Garcia led Rivera 54-43 percent with 80 percent of precincts reporting.
Rivera defeated Garcia in 2010, but the Republican has been dogged by allegations of impropriety related to his personal and campaign finances. He's reportedly been under investigation from the FBI and IRS and was recently charged with 11 violations of state ethics laws in Florida.
The Cuban-American Republican has maintained he committed no wrongdoing, but he could not overcome his difficulties campaigning and fundraising under the shadow of the allegations.
Rivera has been close to Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, dating back to their days serving together in the Florida legislature.