Politics | Cliff Stearns Florida Primary: Tea Partier Beats Veteran Congressman Cliff Stearns leaving House after 24 years By Evann Gastaldo Posted Aug 15, 2012 1:27 PM CDT Copied Cliff Stearns presides over a subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011. (AP Photo/Harry Hamburg) After 24 years in the House, Cliff Stearns has been booted by a Tea Partier with no political experience. Stearns conceded defeat in the Florida GOP primary today, Roll Call reports, saying in a statement that "there are not enough provisional ballots to make up the difference" he would need to win. The congressman says he has spoken to veterinarian Ted Yoho and that he "[wishes] him the best in his effort to represent the wonderful people of north central Florida." Yoho had 34% of the vote and Stearns 33% in what Politico calls a "stunning" upset. Read These Next Melinda French Gates reacts to her ex showing up in new Epstein files. Sarah Ferguson said she cut off Epstein. Not quite, emails show. Turning Point reveals lineup for its alternative halftime show. The voice behind 'Joy to the World' has died at 83. Report an error