ORLANDO, Fla. — Republican Mike Haridopolos won the District 8 U.S. House seat in Florida. Democratic challenger Sandy Kennedy came in second. 

District 8 includes parts of Brevard County.

In a change of events, Rep. Bill Posey withdrew from the race in April, saying that circumstances beyond his control required him to suspend his campaign. In that announcement, he endorsed Haridopolos for the position. 

Haridopolos served for 12 years in the Florida House of Representatives and in the state Senate. He started his career by teaching U.S. History and Political Science. 

Haridopolos raised $1.5 million in the race, compared to Kennedy, who earned just over $21,000.