2004 United States Senate election in Florida

none March 2026 September 2023 2004 United States Senate election in Florida Florida presidential no 1998 United States Senate election in Florida 1998 2010 United States Senate election in Florida 2010 November 2, 2004 150x150px Mel Martinez.jpg Mel Martínez Republican Party (United States) 3,672,864 49.43% Betty Castor (cropped).jpg Betty Castor Democratic Party (United States) 3,590,201 48.32% 2004 United States Senate election in Florida results map by county.svg 300px County resultsMartinez: #ffb2b2 center 40–50% #e27f7f center 50–60% #d75d5d center 60–70% #d72f30 center 70–80%Castor: #a5b0ff center 40–50% #7996e2 center 50–60% #6674de center 60–70% #584cde center 70–80% U.S. Senator Bob Graham Democratic Party (United States) Mel Martínez Republican Party (United States) The 2004 United States Senate election in Florida took place on November 2, 2004, alongside other elections to the United States Senate in other states, elections to the United States House of Representatives, and various state and local elections. Democratic incumbent Bob Graham ran unsuccessfully for president of the United States instead of seeking a fourth term. Mel Martínez won the open race to succeed Graham over Betty Castor. Primary elections were held on August 31, 2004. Castor defeated U.S. representative Peter Deutsch to win the Democratic nomination, while Martínez won the Republican nomination over 2000 nominee Bill McCollum and businessman Doug Gallagher with the support of President George W. Bush. In the general election, Martínez won the open seat with 49.4 percent of the vote to 48.3 percent for Castor. This was the first open election for this seat since 1974 and the closest race of the 2004 United States Senate elections. As of 2026, this is the last election in which an incumbent senator opted not to run for re-election in Florida. Democratic primary Candidates Betty Castor, former president of the University of South Florida, former education commissioner of Florida, and former state senator Peter Deutsch, U.S. representative from Broward County Bernard Klein, businessman Alex Penelas, mayor of Miami-Dade County Declined Bob Graham, incumbent U.S. senator since 1987 and former governor Results thumb|center|County results Democratic primary resultshttps://doe.dos.state.fl.us/elections/resultsarchive/Index.asp?ElectionDate=8%2F31%2F2004&DATAMODE= Florida Department of State - Election Results 2016-05-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20111003141127/https://doe.dos.state.fl.us/elections/resultsarchive/Index.asp?ElectionDate=8%2F31%2F2004&DATAMODE= 2011-10-03 dead Betty Castor Democratic Party (United States) 669,346 58.1% Peter Deutsch Democratic Party (United States) 321,922 27.9% Alex Penelas Democratic Party (United States) 115,898 10.1% Bernard E. Klein Democratic Party (United States) 45,347 3.9% 1,152,513 100.0% Republican primary Candidates Johnnie Byrd, state representative from Plant City and speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Doug Gallagher, businessman Larry Klayman, attorney William Kogut Sonya March Mel Martínez, former U.S. secretary of Housing and Urban Development and candidate for lieutenant governor in 1994 Bill McCollum, former U.S. representative from Longwood and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2000 Karen Saull Withdrew Mark Foley, U.S. representative from Jupiter (withdrew September 6, 2003)Rep. Foley bows out of GOP race for Senate seat https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2003/09/06/rep-foley-bows-out-of-gop-race-for-senate-seat/28764234007/ 2025-11-18 Sarasota Herald-Tribune en-US Daniel Webster, state senator from Clermont Dave Weldon, U.S. representative from Indialantic Campaign An early contender for the Republican nomination was U.S. Representative Mark Foley, who raised $3 million for his Senate campaign and was seen as marginally more moderate than his opponents. However, longstanding rumors regarding Foley's sexuality came under scrutiny in the alternative press.Michelangelo Signorile, “Liberace Candidate: Mark Foley’s glass closet” https://web.archive.org/web/20061206012729/http://www.nypress.com/16/22/news%26columns/signorile.cfm 2006-12-06, New York Press, May 28, 2003.2004 “Outed Hill staffer condemns campaign: Mikulski and Foley become newest congressional targets as FMA vote nears” https://web.archive.org/web/20051030035313/http://www.washblade.com/2004/7-9/news/localnews/outed.cfm 2005-10-30, Washington Blade (District of Columbia), July 9, 2004."Being gay in the GOP: Congressman Mark Foley: A model of political hypocrisy and personal cowardice" https://web.archive.org/web/20051126113758/http://www.bostonphoenix.com/boston/news_features/editorial/documents/02919063.htm 2005-11-26, Boston Phoenix, May 30, 2003Mark Meenan, “Is He Gay or Not? U.S. Rep. Mark Foley calls press to say he won't talk about his sexual preference” https://web.archive.org/web/20051215193730/http://gaycitynews.com/gcn222/ishegay.html 2005-12-15, Gay City News, May 30, 2003. While Foley denounced the rumors in an unusual press conference, he did not deny them, instead arguing that his sexuality had no bearing on his ability as a legislator. Foley withdrew from the campaign on September 6, 2003, citing his father's diagnosis with cancer. Foley would later resign from office in 2006 and come out as "a gay man" after revelations that he had sent explicit sexual messages to teenage boys who had served as congressional pages. Martínez was supported by the Bush administration. Results thumb|County results Republican primary results Mel Martínez Republican Party (United States) 522,994 44.9% Bill McCollum Republican Party (United States) 360,474 30.9% Doug Gallagher Republican Party (United States) 158,360 13.6% Johnnie Byrd Republican Party (United States) 68,982 5.9% Karen Saull Republican Party (United States) 20,365 1.8% Sonya March Republican Party (United States) 17,804 1.5% Larry Klayman Republican Party (United States) 13,257 1.1% William Billy Kogut Republican Party (United States) 3,695 0.3% 1,165,931 100.0% General election Candidates Dennis Bradley, activist (Veterans) Betty Castor, former president of the University of South Florida, former education commissioner of Florida, and former state senator (Democratic) Mel Martínez, former U.S. secretary of Housing and Urban Development and candidate for lieutenant governor in 1994 (Republican) Predictions Source Ranking As of Sabato's Crystal BallThe Final Predictions https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/ljs2004110101/ Sabato's Crystal Ball May 2, 2021 Lean R Flip November 1, 2004 Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesizekey Key:A – all adultsRV – registered votersLV – likely votersV – unclear Marginof error BettyCastor (D) MelMartínez (R) Other UndecidedReuters/Zogby InternationalOctober 29 – November 1, 2004601 (LV)± 4.1%43%48%1%9%FOX News/Opinion Dynamicshttp://www.foxnews.com/projects/pdf/110104_poll2.pdf FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll FOX News November 1, 2004 May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041216212710/http://www.foxnews.com/projects/pdf/110104_poll2.pdf December 16, 2004 deadOctober 30–31, 2004700 (LV)± 3.0%47%41%–12%SurveyUSAhttp://www.surveyusa.com/2004_Elections/FL041101pressen.pdf No Sense Trying to Make Sense of FL: Was Tied, Remains Tied; Maybe. SurveyUSA November 1, 2004 May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041222175733/http://www.surveyusa.com/2004_Elections/FL041101pressen.pdf December 22, 2004 deadSUSA Poll conducted for WFLA-TV, WTLV, WKMG-TV, WPTV-TV, WFOR-TV, and WKRG-TVOctober 29–31, 2004738 (LV)± 3.7%48%48%4%–Strategic Vision (R)http://www.strategicvision.biz/political/florida.htm Poll Results – FL Strategic Vision May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041103063509/http://www.strategicvision.biz/political/florida.htm November 3, 2004 deadOctober 29–31, 2004801 (LV)± 3.0%45%49%–6%InsiderAdvantagehttps://www.realclearpolitics.com/Presidential_04/fl_polls.html#fl_senate Florida 2004 Polls RealClearPolitics May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041221143944/https://www.realclearpolitics.com/Presidential_04/fl_polls.html#fl_senate December 21, 2004 liveOctober 29–31, 2004400 (LV)± 5.0%47%46%1%7%Reuters/Zogby Internationalhttp://www.zogby.com/state.html Election 2004 Zogby Battleground State Polls Zogby International November 2, 2004 May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041106014403/http://www.zogby.com/state.html November 6, 2004October 28–31, 2004600 (LV)± 4.0%46%46%–7%CNN/USA Today/Galluphttps://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/polls/2004-11-01-florida.htm Kerry holds edge in Florida USA Today November 1, 2004 May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20050912132338/https://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/polls/2004-11-01-florida.htm September 12, 2005 deadOctober 28–31, 20041,138 (LV)± 4.0%48%46%–5%1,300 (RV)± 3.0%48%45%–7%Quinnipiac Universityhttp://www.quinnipiac.edu/x13769.xml Quinnipiac University Poll results in 3 key states Quinnipiac University November 1, 2004 May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041207183550/http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x13769.xml December 7, 2004 deadOctober 27–31, 20041,098 (LV)± 3.0%44%49%–6%Reuters/Zogby InternationalOctober 27–30, 2004600 (LV)± 4.1%48%45%2%5%Reuters/Zogby InternationalOctober 26–29, 2004601 (LV)± 4.1%47%46%2%5%Reuters/Zogby InternationalOctober 25–28, 2004601 (LV)± 4.1%45%47%2%6%Mason-Dixonhttp://www.tampatrib.com/FloridaMetro/MGBN1XTTV0E.html Bile Flows As A Tied Senate Race Heads To End William March Keith Epstein The Tampa Tribune October 30, 2004 May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041213013436/http://www.tampatrib.com/FloridaMetro/MGBN1XTTV0E.html December 13, 2004 deadTribuneWFLA Poll sponsored by The Tampa Tribune and WFLA-TVOctober 26–27, 2004625 (LV)± 4.0%46%47%–6%Strategic Vision (R)October 25–27, 2004801 (LV)± 3.0%46%49%–5%Reuters/Zogby InternationalOctober 24–27, 2004601 (LV)± 4.1%45%45%1%9%The New York Timeshttp://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041030/NEWS/410300425/1039 Castor Has Slim Lead in New Poll The Ledger October 30, 2004 May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041208004455/http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041030/NEWS/410300425/1039 December 8, 2004October 23–27, 2004802 (LV)± 3.0%47%44%–10%Reuters/Zogby InternationalOctober 23–26, 2004601 (LV)± 4.1%48%45%–7%Quinnipiac Universityhttp://www.quinnipiac.edu/news-and-events/quinnipiac-university-poll/florida/release-detail?ReleaseID=488 Bush Has 3-Point Lead In Florida, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Republican Has Slight Lead In Senate Race Quinnipiac University October 28, 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20140520040528/http://www.quinnipiac.edu/news-and-events/quinnipiac-university-poll/florida/release-detail?ReleaseID=488 May 20, 2014 May 30, 2025October 22–26, 2004944 (LV)± 3.2%46%49%–5%Reuters/Zogby InternationalOctober 22–25, 2004601 (LV)± 4.1%47%47%–6%Strategic Vision (R)October 22–24, 2004801 (LV)± 3.0%46%48%–6%InsiderAdvantageOctober 22–24, 2004400 (LV)± 5.0%44%46%–10%SurveyUSAhttp://www.surveyusa.com/2004_Elections/FL041025pressen.pdf Florida: 8 Days to Election, Hold Your Breath; Kerry Up 2, Castor Up 3 SurveyUSA October 25, 2004 May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041108174941/http://www.surveyusa.com/2004_Elections/FL041025pressen.pdf November 8, 2004SUSAOctober 22–24, 2004738 (LV)± 3.7%50%47%3%–Reuters/Zogby InternationalOctober 21–24, 2004601 (LV)± 4.1%44%47%1%8%Schroth, Eldon & Associates (D)/The Polling Company (R)http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/politics/10007418.htm?1c Poll: Martinez, Castor still deadlocked in U.S. Senate race The Miami Herald October 25, 2004 May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041107043634/http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/politics/10007418.htm?1c November 7, 2004Poll sponsored by The Miami Herald and St. Petersburg TimesOctober 19–21, 2004800 (LV)± 3.5%44%44%–12%Research 2000https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2004/10/25/volatile-senate-contest-a-48-tie/ Volatile Senate Contest a 48% Tie Sun Sentinel October 25, 2004 May 30, 2025 subscriptionPoll sponsored by Sun-SentinelOctober 18–21, 2004600 (LV)± 4.0%48%48%–4%Strategic Vision (R)October 18–20, 2004801 (LV)± 3.0%45%48%–7%Quinnipiac Universityhttp://www.quinnipiac.edu/news-and-events/quinnipiac-university-poll/florida/release-detail?ReleaseID=485 https://web.archive.org/web/20140520042646/http://www.quinnipiac.edu/news-and-events/quinnipiac-university-poll/florida/release-detail?ReleaseID=485 dead 2014-05-20 Kerry Closes Gap To Make Florida Too Close To Call, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Senate Race Is A Dead Heat Quinnipiac University October 21, 2004 May 30, 2025October 15–19, 2004808 (LV)± 3.5%47%47%–5%1,208 (RV)± 2.8%41%43%1%"WV1" "Wouldn't vote" with 1%15%SurveyUSAhttp://www.surveyusa.com/2004_Elections/FL041018pressen.pdf Florida, 15 Days to the Election: President & U.S. Senate Races Tied SurveyUSA October 18, 2004 May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041108174939/http://www.surveyusa.com/2004_Elections/FL041018pressen.pdf November 8, 2004SUSAOctober 15–17, 2004596 (LV)± 4.1%47%49%3%1%Mason-Dixonhttp://www.tampatrib.com/FloridaMetro/MGB23K00G0E.html Debate Could Sway Tight Race Ellen Gedalius William March The Tampa Tribune October 18, 2004 May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041022033556/http://www.tampatrib.com/FloridaMetro/MGB23K00G0E.html October 22, 2004TribuneWFLAOctober 14–16, 2004625 (LV)± 4.0%45%45%1%9%University of North Floridahttp://www.unf.edu/dept/cirt/testing/floridasurveyoct04.pdf Survey of Florida Voters Shows Close Presidential Race; Senate Race Shows Many Still Undecided University of North Florida October 2004 May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041108174705/http://www.unf.edu/dept/cirt/testing/floridasurveyoct04.pdf November 8, 2004October 10–15, 2004614 (LV)± 4.0%38%35%4%"Other" and "Refused" with 2%23%Strategic Vision (R)October 12–14, 2004801 (LV)± 3.0%47%47%–6%Strategic Vision (R)October 4–6, 2004801 (LV)± 3.0%48%45%–7%Mason-Dixonhttp://www.tallahassee.com/mld/tallahassee/news/9863970.htm Senate race has new leader Bill Cotterell The Tallahassee Democrat October 8, 2004 May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041024215701/http://www.tallahassee.com/mld/tallahassee/news/9863970.htm October 24, 2004Poll sponsored by The Tallahassee DemocratOctober 4–5, 2004625 (LV)± 4.0%41%46%1%12%Quinnipiac Universityhttp://www.quinnipiac.edu/news-and-events/quinnipiac-university-poll/florida/release-detail?ReleaseID=409 Bush Holds 7-Point Lead In Florida, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Kerry Gets Lift From First Debate Quinnipiac University October 7, 2004 May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20140520055043/http://www.quinnipiac.edu/news-and-events/quinnipiac-university-poll/florida/release-detail?ReleaseID=409 May 20, 2014October 1–5, 2004717 (LV)± 3.7%47%48%–5%1,083 (RV)± 3.0%44%40%2%"Someone else" and "Wouldn't vote" 1%14%SurveyUSAhttp://surveyusa.com/2004_Elections/FL041004pressen.pdf Florida After First Presidential Debate: Bush Up by 5, Martinez Up by 4 SurveyUSA October 4, 2004 May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041108174702/http://surveyusa.com/2004_Elections/FL041004pressen.pdf November 8, 2004SUSAOctober 1–3, 2004706 (LV)± 3.8%46%50%3%1%CNN/USA Today/Galluphttp://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/polls/2004-09-22-nev-wv-poll.htm Bush holds edge in key battleground states USA Today September 22, 2004 May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20050912132315/http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/polls/2004-09-22-nev-wv-poll.htm September 12, 2005September 18–22, 2004674 (LV)± 4.0%51%45%–4%843 (RV)49%43%–8%Quinnipiac Universityhttp://www.quinnipiac.edu/news-and-events/quinnipiac-university-poll/florida/release-detail?ReleaseID=405 Hurricanes Blow Bush Into Lead In Florida, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Senate Race Is Too Close To Call Quinnipiac University September 23, 2004 May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20140520021020/http://www.quinnipiac.edu/news-and-events/quinnipiac-university-poll/florida/release-detail?ReleaseID=405 May 20, 2014September 18–21, 2004819 (RV)± 3.4%43%42%1%"WV1"14%SurveyUSAhttp://www.surveyusa.com/2004_Elections/FL040914pressen.pdf Florida: Bush Up 6 Over Kerry, Castor Up 4 Pts Over Martinez SurveyUSA September 14, 2004 May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041013161731/http://www.surveyusa.com/2004_Elections/FL040914pressen.pdf October 13, 2004SUSASeptember 12–14, 2004602 (LV)± 4.1%49%45%5%1%Rasmussen Reportshttp://www.rasmussenreports.com/Florida%20Senate%20August%2024.htm Florida Senate Race: Castor Strongest Democrat Rasmussen Reports August 24, 2004 May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041013082018/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/Florida%20Senate%20August%2024.htm October 13, 2004August 24, 2004500 (LV)± 4.5%44%44%–12% background:#cff Hypothetical polling border:solid 1px silver; padding:8px; background:var(--background-color-base); color:var(--color-base); Betty Castor vs. Bill McCollum Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesizekey Marginof error BettyCastor (D) BillMcCollum (R) Other UndecidedRasmussen ReportsAugust 24, 2004500 (LV)± 4.5%42%39%–19% Peter Deutsch vs. Mel Martínez Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesizekey Marginof error PeterDeutsch (D) MelMartínez (R) Other UndecidedRasmussen ReportsAugust 24, 2004500 (LV)± 4.5%39%47%–14% Peter Deutsch vs. Bill McCollum Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesizekey Marginof error PeterDeutsch (D) BillMcCollum (R) Other UndecidedRasmussen ReportsAugust 24, 2004500 (LV)± 4.5%37%44%–19% Endorsements Betty Castor (D) Newspapers Boca Raton NewsOur views: Endorse Castor for U.S. Senate https://www.newspapers.com/article/boca-raton-news-our-views-endorse-casto/203918408/ August 15, 2026 Boca Raton News October 24, 2004 Boca Raton, Florida 20 Newspapers.com Bradenton HeraldOur viewpoint: We recommend... U.S. Senate: Betty Castor https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bradenton-herald-our-viewpoint-we-r/203917098/ August 15, 2026 Bradenton Sunday Herald October 10, 2004 Bradenton, Florida 18C Newspapers.com Citrus County ChronicleEndorsements: Betty Castor deserves support https://www.newspapers.com/article/citrus-county-chronicle-endorsements-be/203917602/ August 15, 2026 Citrus County Chronicle October 24, 2004 Inverness, Florida 2C Newspapers.com The Daytona Beach News-JournalEditorials: U.S. Senate race https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daytona-beach-news-journal-editorial/203918113/ August 15, 2026 The Daytona Beach News-Journal October 21, 2004 Daytona Beach, Florida 4A Newspapers.com Florida TodayOur Views: We recommend https://www.newspapers.com/article/florida-today-our-views-we-recommend/203914914/ August 15, 2026 Florida Today October 31, 2004 Melbourne, Florida 8A Newspapers.com The LedgerBetty Castor For the Senate https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ledger-betty-castor-for-the-senate/203918263/ August 15, 2026 The Ledger October 17, 2004 Lakeland, Florida A24 Newspapers.com The Miami HeraldThe Herald recommends: Our Opinion: for U.S. Senate https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-miami-herald-the-herald-recommends/203916444/ August 15, 2026 The Miami Herald October 16, 2004 Miami, Florida 24A Newspapers.com The Palm Beach PostPick 'moderate' Castor, not extremist Martinez https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-palm-beach-post-pick-moderate-cast/203917442/ August 15, 2026 The Palm Beach Post October 10, 2004 West Palm Beach, Florida 2E Newspapers.com Sarasota Herald-TribuneEditorials: U.S. Senate https://www.newspapers.com/article/sarasota-herald-tribune-editorials-us/203914552/ August 15, 2026 Sarasota Herald-Tribune October 24, 2004 Sarasota, Florida 2F Newspapers.com South Florida Sun SentinelU.S. Senate: Elect Castor To Replace Graham https://www.newspapers.com/article/south-florida-sun-sentinel-us-senate/203916563/ August 15, 2026 South Florida Sun Sentinel October 16, 2004 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 18A Newspapers.com St. Petersburg TimesTimes recommends: Betty Castor for United States Senate https://www.newspapers.com/article/tampa-bay-times-times-recommends-betty/203855721/ August 15, 2026 St. Petersburg Times October 3, 2004 St. Petersburg, Florida 2P Newspapers.com Tallahassee DemocratOur Opinion: Betty Castor https://www.newspapers.com/article/tallahassee-democrat-our-opinion-betty/203917826/ August 15, 2026 Tallahassee Democrat October 27, 2004 Tallahassee, Florida 4E Newspapers.com The Tampa TribuneOur opinion: Betty Castor Has Earned Our Confidence And Support https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tampa-tribune-our-opinion-betty-cas/203916909/ August 15, 2026 The Tampa Tribune October 10, 2004 Tampa, Florida Commentary 2 Newspapers.com Treasure Coast Newspapers (Port St. Lucie News,Editorials: U.S. Senate: Castor https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-port-st-lucie-news-editorials-us/203916010/ August 15, 2026 Port St. Lucie News October 25, 2004 Stuart, Florida A8 Newspapers.com Press Journal,Editorials: U.S. Senate https://www.newspapers.com/article/indian-river-press-journal-editorials-u/203915229/ August 15, 2026 Press Journal October 25, 2004 Vero Beach, Florida A8 Newspapers.com The Stuart News,Editorials: U.S. Senate: Castor https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-stuart-news-editorials-us-senate/203915849/ August 15, 2026 The Stuart News October 25, 2004 Stuart, Florida A8 Newspapers.com TribuneEditorial: Betty Castor right fit for Graham shoes https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-pierce-tribune-editorial-betty-cas/203915544/ August 15, 2026 Tribune October 25, 2004 Fort Pierce, Florida A8 Newspapers.com) Mel Martínez (R) Newspapers The Florida Times-UnionCongress: Martinez matters https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-press-election-2004-martinez-has-d/203855728/ August 15, 2026 The Florida Times-Union October 31, 2004 Jacksonville, Florida E-2 Newspapers.com Naples Daily NewsElection 2004: Martinez will get job done for Florida as U.S. senator https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-press-election-2004-martinez-has-d/203855728/ August 15, 2026 Naples Daily News October 18, 2004 Naples, Florida 6D Newspapers.com The News-PressElection 2004: Martinez has D.C. experience https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-press-election-2004-martinez-has-d/203855728/ August 15, 2026 The News-Press October 30, 2004 Fort Myers, Florida B10 Newspapers.com Orlando SentinelMartinez for Senate https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-martinez-for-senate/203916814/ August 15, 2026 Orlando Sentinel October 10, 2004 Orlando, Florida G2 Newspapers.com Results United States Senate election in Florida, 2004http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/2004/2004Stat.htm#9 Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives Republican Party (United States) Melquíades Rafael Martínez Ruiz 3,672,864 49.43% +11.9% Democratic Party (United States) Elizabeth Castor 3,590,201 48.32% -14.15% Veterans Party of America Dennis F. Bradley 166,642 2.24% +2.24% Write-ins 187 0.00% +0.0% 82,663 1.11% -23.83% 7,429,894 70.92%http://dos.myflorida.com/elections/data-statistics/voter-registration-statistics/voter-registration-monthly-reports/voter-registration-yearly/ Voter Registration - Yearly - Division of Elections - Florida Department of State 2016-12-06 https://web.archive.org/web/20161205134458/http://dos.myflorida.com/elections/data-statistics/voter-registration-statistics/voter-registration-monthly-reports/voter-registration-yearly/ 2016-12-05 dead +24.08% 7,429,894 100.00% +3,529,732 Republican Party (United States) Democratic Party (United States) Results by county +2004 United States Senate election in Florida (by county)Our Campaigns - FL US Senate Race - Nov 02, 2004 https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=3795 2025-01-15 www.ourcampaigns.comCountyMel Martínez RepublicanBetty Castor DemocraticVarious Candidates Other partiesMarginTotal votes cast# %# %# %# %Alachua43,07439.63%63,80958.71%1,8021.65% -20,735 -19.08%108,685Baker6,81569.16%2,85328.95%1861.89%3,96240.21%9,854Bay49,63967.63%22,19030.23%1,5642.13%27,44937.40%73,393Bradford6,53460.83%3,93836.66%2702.51%3,59624.17%10,742Brevard142,39454.44%111,47742.62%7,6822.94%30,91711.82%261,553Broward231,26633.63%442,72864.37%13,7802.00% -211,462 -30.74%687,774Calhoun3,13353.70%2,52643.30%1753.00%60710.40%5,834Charlotte43,07955.48%32,83742.29%1,7292.23%10,24213.19%77,645Citrus33,99849.68%31,69946.32%2,7424.01%2,2993.36%68,439Clay58,13172.24%20,83125.89%1,5031.86%37,30046.35%80,465Collier81,94865.97%40,33232.47%1,9341.56%41,61633.50%124,214Columbia14,01457.15%9,78039.89%7262.96%4,23417.26%24,520DeSoto4,99453.58%4,03143.25%2953.17%96310.33%9,320Dixie3,32252.67%2,73543.36%2503.97%5879.31%6,307Duval205,00154.68%163,74843.68%6,1601.64%41,25311.00%374,909Escambia88,78763.56%48,27434.56%2,6321.88%40,51329.00%139,693Flagler18,29448.13%18,81249.49%9042.38% -518 -1.36%38,010Franklin2,70647.13%2,88650.26%1502.61% -180 -3.13%5,742Gadsden5,23025.15%15,24673.33%3161.52% -10,016 -48.18%20,792Gilchrist4,06058.87%2,57837.38%2583.74%1,48221.49%6,896Glades2,14752.15%1,82144.23%1493.62%3267.92%4,117Gulf4,08657.36%2,85840.12%1802.53%1,22817.24%7,124Hamilton2,20644.75%2,59752.68%1272.58% -391 -7.93%4,930Hardee4,02456.38%2,80639.32%3074.30%1,21817.06%7,137Hendry5,35055.75%4,02741.97%2192.28%1,32313.78%9,596Hernando36,55746.08%39,63449.96%3,1433.96% -3,077 -3.88%79,334Highlands22,32654.72%17,19642.15%1,2783.13%5,13012.57%40,800Hillsborough207,33146.29%230,29851.42%10,2612.29% -22,967 -5.13%447,890Holmes5,11463.42%2,60832.34%3424.24%2,50631.08%8,064Indian River34,33857.82%23,51139.59%1,5432.60%10,82718.23%59,392Jackson10,44953.73%8,60544.24%3952.04%1,8449.49%19,449Jefferson2,72236.93%4,50461.10%1451.97% -1,782 -24.17%7,371Lafayette1,76854.57%1,39042.90%822.53%37811.67%3,240Lake68,42556.37%49,63540.89%3,3192.73%18,79015.48%121,379Lee139,81059.90%89,04838.15%4,5311.94%50,76221.75%233,389Leon45,45334.09%86,18064.64%1,6911.27% -40,727 -30.55%133,324Levy8,73553.39%7,12943.57%4973.04%1,6069.82%16,361Liberty1,44848.75%1,45949.12%632.12% -11 -0.37%2,970Madison3,31840.58%4,64056.74%2192.68% -1,322 -16.16%8,177Manatee72,82951.53%64,79545.85%3,6992.62%8,0345.68%141,323Marion73,53053.23%60,81444.02%3,7992.75%12,7169.21%138,143Martin39,07655.41%29,86842.35%1,5792.23%9,20813.06%70,523Miami-Dade367,86749.21%366,48249.02%13,2021.77%1,3850.19%747,551Monroe18,07547.19%18,96149.50%1,2673.31% -886 -2.31%38,303Nassau21,89368.40%9,51929.74%5951.86%12,37438.66%32,007Okaloosa65,14674.71%19,64522.53%2,4132.77%45,50152.18%87,204Okeechobee5,95950.00%5,46445.84%4964.16%4954.16%11,919Orange188,12149.15%187,54949.00%7,0811.85%5720.15%382,751Osceola42,10352.00%36,56945.16%2,2962.84%5,5346.84%80,968Palm Beach200,44237.96%318,04260.23%9,5661.81% -117,600 -22.27%528,050Pasco89,40048.01%90,76148.74%6,0443.24% -1,361 -0.73%186,205Pinellas197,64042.55%254,45154.78%12,3792.66% -56,811 -12.23%464,470Polk108,77452.28%93,23144.81%6,0512.91%15,5437.47%208,056Putnam15,94152.23%13,70144.89%8762.87%2,2407.34%30,518St. Johns56,25166.19%27,31932.14%1,4201.67%28,93234.05%84,990St. Lucie44,43645.34%50,66051.69%2,9052.96% -6,224 -6.35%98,001Santa Rosa49,14974.65%15,16523.03%1,5242.31%33,98451.62%65,838Sarasota95,42550.08%91,65148.10%3,4551.81%3,7741.98%190,531Seminole102,89856.11%76,57941.76%3,9142.13%26,31914.35%183,391Sumter17,92957.05%12,84440.87%6562.09%5,08516.18%31,429Suwannee9,09558.45%6,06939.00%3972.55%2,62919.45%15,561Taylor4,24150.17%3,97246.98%2412.85%2693.19%8,454Union2,87462.49%1,63235.49%932.05%1,24227.00%4,599Volusia104,03246.21%114,93251.05%6,1742.74% -10,900 -4.84%225,138Wakulla5,24045.10%6,04852.05%3312.85% -808 -6.95%11,619Walton16,03868.56%6,77028.94%5852.50%9,26839.62%23,393Washington6,41463.45%3,45234.15%2422.39%2,96229.30%10,108Totals3,672,86449.43%3,590,20148.32%166,8292.24%82,6631.11%7,429,894 Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican Calhoun (largest city: Blountstown) Citrus (largest city: Homosassa Springs) Dixie (largest city: Cross City) Glades (largest city: Moore Haven) Gulf (largest city: Port St. Joe) Levy (largest city: Williston) Putnam (largest city: Palatka) Taylor (largest city: Perry) Jackson (largest city: Marianna) Lafayette (largest city: Mayo) Union (largest city: Lake Butler) Washington (largest city: Chipley) Brevard (largest municipality: Palm Bay) Okeechobee (largest municipality: Okeechobee) Polk (largest municipality: Lakeland) Miami-Dade (largest city: Miami) Osceola (largest municipality: Kissimmee) Orange (largest city: Orlando) Escambia (largest city: Pensacola) Hendry (largest city: Clewiston) Marion (largest city: Ocala) Hardee (largest city: Wachula) Highlands (largest city: Sebring) Indian River (largest city: Sebastian) Lake (largest city: Clermont) Lee (largest city: Cape Coral) Suwannee (largest city: Live Oak) Duval (largest municipality: Jacksonville) Charlotte (largest city: Charlotte) Columbia (largest city: Lake City) DeSoto (largest city: Arcadia) Gilchrist (largest city: Trenton) Sumter (largest city: The Villages) Bradford (largest city: Starke) Baker (largest city: Macclenny) Bay (largest city: Panama City) Clay (largest city: Lakeside) Holmes (largest city: Bonifay) Manatee (largest city: Bradenton) Martin (largest city: Palm City) Nassau (largest city: Yulee) St. Johns (largest city: St. Johns) Walton (largest city: Miramar Beach) Seminole (largest municipality: Sanford) See also 2004 United States Senate elections Notes Partisan clients References External links WTSP-TV (Tampa Bay) website WKMG-TV (Orlando) website Debates Florida Senate General Election Debate on C-SPAN, October 18, 2004 Florida Senate General Election Debate on C-SPAN, October 25, 2004 Official campaign websites (archived) Democrats Betty Castor Peter Deutsch Alex Penelas Bernard E. Klein Republicans Mel Martínez Bill McCollum Doug Gallagher Johnnie Byrd Sonya March Larry Klayman William Billy Kogut Category:Politics of Florida Category:2004 Florida elections Florida 2004