State Sen. John Thrasher handily won re-election to a job he’ll likely resign from in a few days.
Thrasher, a St. Augustine Republican, defeated Democrat Kathleen Trued and Greg Feldman, a no-party candidate, to win another term in his Senate District 6 race. Thrasher received 58 percent of the vote.
On Thursday, the state university system’s Board of Governors is expected to approve his selection as president of his alma mater, Florida State University.
The pending contract, with a $430,000 annual salary and a litany of perks, has Thrasher starting that job Monday.
If Thrasher resigns, a special election will be held to fill the seat, whose district includes St. Johns, Flagler, Putnam and part of Volusia counties.
Thrasher said in a statement he is committed to helping find a candidate who is “uniquely qualified to serve” the district.
“Northeast Florida holds a special place in my heart, and I look forward to seeing our communities grow and flourish for years to come,” he said.
Several Republican House members from Northeast Florida were re-elected Tuesday, as well.
Janet Adkins (District 11), Lake Ray (District 12), Charles McBurney (District 16), Ronald “Doc” Renuart (District 17) and Travis Cummings (District 19) cruised to victory.
Republican Jay Fant cleared his last hurdle before being able to join the House when he defeated a write-in candidate.
Fant beat Paul Renner in August by two votes in a re-count.