Rubio Wins Primary, Setting Up Senate Race Against Murphy
- Florida senator reversed pledge not to seek re-election
- Race could help determine control of U.S. Senate in 2017
Senator Marco Rubio greets supporters on Aug. 30, 2016, in Kissimmee, Florida.
AP Photo/John RaouxThis article is for subscribers only.
Senator Marco Rubio of Florida easily turned back a Republican primary challenge from a millionaire businessman Tuesday, setting up a November election against Democratic Representative Patrick Murphy in a race that could determine control of the Senate.
Rubio led Republican opponent Carlos Beruff by a 70.6 percent to 20.2 percent margin in early results, according to the Associated Press. Murphy was leading fellow Representative Alan Grayson 60.9 percent to 16 percent in early returns. The state is considered a tossup in November, but Rubio has led both Democrats in recent polls as Grayson and Murphy attacked each other’s ethics.