CLEARWATER, Fla. — Voters on Tuesday chose lawyer Bruce Rector as the city's new mayor as residents statewide voted in Florida's primary.

Rector defeated Council member Kathleen Beckman, garnering nearly 63% of the vote (14,163 votes) in a race where both candidates raised more than $130,000.

Beckman told Spectrum Bay News 9 that she called Rector and conceded the result.

"We ran on the issues, we were dignified, we were respectful, we were not nasty, we did not lie, and you know, I am proud of the work we've done," she said. "I will tell you that we are all committed to positive change in Clearwater, in our state, in our nation, and that work continues."

Rector has been a lawyer for many years and gained support from former mayor Frank Hibbard.

He also says he wants to bring new business to the city.

The backbone of Beckman’s campaign was lowering city and resident costs, transparency with city plans and spending, and sustainability. Rector’s campaign centered on making public safety a priority, improving roads, sidewalks and neighborhoods, and fiscal responsibility.

Rector was critical of the $90 million allocated to build a new city hall.

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Beckman's Seat 3 council seat was also up for grabs, with Michael Mannino defeating Javante Scott and Jared Leone.

In the Seat 2 race, Ryan Cotton scored a close win over Mark Bunker and Mike Mastruserio. Cotton garnered 9,351 votes (42.3%) to Bunker's 8,682 (39.3%).

Only the Republican primary is present, since the Democratic Primary was canceled because President Joe Biden has enough delegates to clinch his nomination.

Republican Primary for President

Ryan L. Binkley

Chris Christie

Ron DeSantis

Nikki Haley

Asa Hutchinson          

Vivek Ramaswamy 

Donald J. Trump   

Stay with Spectrum Bay News 9 on-air, online and the Spectrum News app for more primary coverage.