With a primary victory under his belt, Dane Eagle plans to stay positive in his quest to represent the 77th District in the State House.

Eagle cruised to an easy win Tuesday over Chris Berardi in the Republican primary. He will now face Democrat Arvella M. Clare in the general election Nov. 6.

Eagle, a real estate broker, won by an almost 3-1 margin, 72 percent to 28 percent.

“Obviously the polls speak for themselves. We did it through hard work and by staying positive, not negative,” Eagle said. “When we started in November we were 10 points behind.”

Berardi, a former Cape Coral city councilman who also once ran for county commissioner, was outspent in his bid for the nomination and expressed his frustration over the process on election night.

Eagle is not apologetic about the money he raised.

“You need to raise money to win a race, that’s no secret,” Eagle said. “If you want to continue to receive support, you need to speak of your ability to be a leader.”

Eagle, 29, who five years ago worked as the youngest deputy chief of staff in state history under Crist, said he will continue to spread his message of economy, education and ethics.

“This is a solution, not rhetoric. I plan to stay positive and help to make Southwest Florida a better place to live,” Eagle said. “I’m grateful for the support and will continue our hard work.

“I am overwhelmed and pleased.”