(CNN) Over the weekend, Florida Republicans got a double dose of good news: former Rep. Ron DeSantis (R) was declared the state's next governor and Sen. Bill Nelson (D) conceded defeat to outgoing Gov. Rick Scott (R). That makes Florida a rare bright spot for Republicans in a 2018 election that, since November 6, has looked better and better for Democrats.

So what happened in Florida? And why? Plus, most importantly, what does it all mean for 2020? I reached out to Adam Smith , the political editor of the Tampa Bay Times, for answers to all of those questions -- and more!

Our conversation, conducted via email and lightly edited for flow, is below.

Cillizza: Florida is the success story of the 2018 election for Republicans. What happened for the GOP there that didn't happen in other states?

Smith: Keep in mind that less than half a percentage point difference in Florida's US Senate and governor's race, and you'd be asking about the extraordinary and history drubbing the GOP took in Florida. These were virtually tied elections. There was some good news for Democrats: Florida's congressional delegation now looks more like Florida, with 14 Republican-held seats, and 13 Democrats. Democrats gained a bit of ground in the legislature and did pick up one state office, agriculture commissioner.

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