alcee.jpgU.S. Rep. Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) declared victory Tuesday night in the Democratic Primary Election for Florida’s 23rd Congressional District.

Hastings soundly defeated former Belle Glade Mayor Ray Torres Sanchez, sending a clear message to Hastings’ Republican challenger this November that his popularity and approval rating are stronger than ever, the campaign announced.

 

Hastings was trouncing Torres by a margin of victory in Broward that stood at more than 87 percent to Torres’ roughly 12 percent on Tuesday evening after the majority of votes had been tallied, according to unofficial results on the Broward Supervisor of Elections website.

 

“I am ecstatic and humbled by tonight’s results,’’ Hastings said in a prepared statement. “It has been such a great pleasure and honor to represent the people of Florida’s 23rd Congressional District in the House of Representatives for the last 15 years.  I am hopeful that the voters of my district will send me back to Congress this November so that I can continue the important work to improve our communities. I will now turn my full attention to my re-election to Congress and ensuring that Barack Obama is elected the next president of the United States.’’

 

The 23rd Congressional District includes portions of Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Hendry Counties.  It stretches north and south from Miramar to Fort Pierce and east and west from Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach to Clewiston.