Barbara Watson (politician)

When State Representative Oscar Braynon was elected to the Florida Senate to replace newly elected Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, a special election was held to fill the vacancy in the 103rd District, which included parts of southern Broward County and northern Miami-Dade County, stretching from Bunche Park to Miami Gardens. Watson ran in the Democratic primary on February 8, 2011, and faced former Miami Gardens City Councilwoman Sharon Pritchett and Erhabor Ighodaro. The race remained close up until election day, when Pritchett narrowly claimed victory over Watson; the Sun-Sentinel called the election for Pritchett.^[1] However, following a state-mandated recount, Watson went from a 14-vote deficit to an 18-vote lead over Prichett, enabling her to clinch the nomination of her party and to move on to the general election, where she was elected unopposed.^[2]

In 2012, following the reconfiguration of the legislative districts, Watson was moved into the 107th District, which, like her previous district, was based in Miami Gardens, but switched the reach to Pembroke Pines for an extension to North Miami. She faced fellow State Representative John Patrick Julien in the Democratic primary, and, once again, faced another contentious election. Watson emerged narrowly victorious over Julien, claiming a 26-vote lead over him.^[3] Following a recount, that was cut in half to a 13-vote lead and Watson was certified as the winner. However, Julien alleged that there was absentee ballot fraud and filed a lawsuit to block Watson's victory.^[4] In spite of her opponent's claim, Watson continued her campaign, though she only faced a write-in opponent in the general election. In October, a state judge ruled that her victory was legitimate, "despite some suspicious signatures on several absentee ballots cast," and she remained on the ballot,^[5] winning the election unopposed.

Watson was term-limited from the House in 2020, after serving a partial term and four full terms.

• Florida House of Representatives - Barbara Watson
• Watson for State House