Florida Republicans gained four seats in the state Senate on Tuesday, ousting two incumbents as Democrats were eclipsed in the midterm elections up and down the ballot.

Florida’s state workers are struggling 18 months into the pandemic.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Democratic candidates in the state are now facing attack ads from their Republican opponents, accusing their campaigns of receiving funds from a pandemic assistance loan meant for small businesses. The loan was secured by the Florida Democratic Party earlier this year, but the candidates facing the attacks call them misleading and untrue. You may have received a mailer or even seen a TV spot, accusing a local candidate of receiving funds from a $780,000 PPP loan secured by the Democratic Party in May. Ausley is one of three candidates targeted. A public financial report released in August shows the Democratic Party of Florida paid back the initial loan, with interest.