OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola and Orange county voters narrowly elected Democrat Tom Keen for the State House Representative District 35 special election in Central Florida Tuesday. 

He was sworn in on Thursday. 

Shortly after polls closed on election day, results showed Keen won 51.3% of the vote, which ended up being 11,390 votes. Republican challenger Erika Booth earned 48.7% of the vote, or 10,800 votes. 

Keen ran against Republican Erika Booth to replace Fred Hawkins, who vacated the office last year.

Keen now represents parts of two Central Florida counties — Osceola and Orange.

While the two candidates shared differences on matters of the state, they both say doing your civic duty by casting your ballot is most important.

However, a top priority for Booth was economics, with a focus on the cost of living.

“This race is so important for the state of Florida and for all of the freedoms that we’re trying to protect here in Central Florida,” she said.

Keen’s campaign focus was on property insurance and abortion.

“I think it’s very, very close, and it’s all going to turn out. So, absolutely that’s why we’re knocking on so many doors. We want to let folks know how important the race is,” he said.