When the state's legislative districts were redrawn, Galvano opted to run in the newly created 26th District, which included the district that he previously represented in the House. He was unopposed in the Republican primary and advanced to the general election, where he faced the Democratic nominee, Paula House, an attorney. Galvano campaigned on a platform of lowering the corporate tax rate and eventually phasing it out, supporting the state's charter school system, and connecting the coast with light rail, while House criticized Galvano for siding with special interests. Galvano was endorsed by "The Bradenton Herald", the Tampa Bay Times", and the Tampa Tribune", with the "Herald" praising the "depth of his legislative and leadership experience, the strength of his commitment to public service and his principled approach to issues," the "Times" noting his "better grasp of the region," and the "Tribune" citing his "reputation as a reasonable, thoughtful lawmaker." He ended up defeating House by a solid margin, winning his first term in the Senate with 59% of the vote to her 41%.