South Shore families will choose between two candidates for the Hillsborough County School Board District 2 seat this November after attorney Brittany Lyssy and former assistant superintendent Daniela Simic emerged from a three-way primary on Tuesday, Aug. 18.

The district covers 42 public schools stretching from Hyde Park to Ruskin, including Lennard High School, East Bay High School and Apollo Beach elementary campuses. The seat is open. Incumbent Stacy Hahn left to run for Hillsborough County Commission.

Primary Results: Simic Edges Lyssy, Taylor Eliminated

Simic, 48, led the unofficial results with 38.61% of the vote (roughly 17,000 votes), followed by Lyssy at 36.96% (about 16,380 votes) with 89 of 92 precincts reporting, according to Patch. A third candidate, Chris Taylor, was eliminated with 24.43%. The Tampa Bay Times confirmed both Simic and Lyssy advanced with all votes counted.

Lyssy's Case: Fundraising Lead and GOP, Business Backing

Lyssy, 31, is an attorney with the Phillips, Hayden and Labbee law firm and a registered Republican who led the field in fundraising with more than $70,000 in contributions before the primary, according to the Tampa Bay Times. In a candidate survey published July 27 by WUSF, she said: "We must strengthen reading and math instruction, use tax dollars transparently, and put classrooms first."

Her endorsers include District 4 School Board member Patti Rendon, Hillsborough County Commissioner Joshua Wostal, the Tampa Police Benevolent Association and Tampa Firefighters Local 754.

Simic's Case: Education Experience and Union Support

Simic, an account executive with Magic School AI who spent 25 years in education, earned backing from the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association, Ruth's List Florida and the Florida Education Association. Speaking to the Tampa Bay Times on election night, Simic said she would continue on the same path, focused on making sure every child has access to a great education.

The Elected Superintendent Question Looms Over November

One policy split could shape the general election: Lyssy is the only District 2 candidate who supports electing the superintendent, a question that will also appear on the November ballot. The outcome could reshape how the board interacts with Superintendent Van Ayres, who has overseen a drop in teacher vacancies from more than 650 to under 200 and a return to an "A" district grade from the Florida Department of Education heading into the 2026-27 school year, according to WFLA.

What's Next

South Shore voters will decide between Lyssy and Simic on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The winner takes office in November 2026.