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NAPLES — Golden Gate Democrat Maria Jimenez is one step closer to Tallahassee.

Jimenez defeated Pembroke Pines attorney Samuel D. Lopez to win the Democratic primary Tuesday in Florida House District 101.

Jimenez, director of charter schools for Redlands Christian Migrant Association and a longtime educator, will go on to face state Rep. Matt Hudson, R-Naples, in the Nov. 4 general election. District 101 encompasses eastern Collier and western Broward counties.

With all of Collier and most Broward County precincts reporting, unofficial results showed Jimenez winning with 72.1 percent of the vote. Lopez had 27.9 percent of the vote.

The unofficial totals are expected to be certified by Sept. 2.

“I’m very excited and humbled at the same time,” said Jimenez, 39, in an interview after the final Collier results were in. “Now I’m ready for the next step.”