Gov. Rick Scott announced a special election to replace state Rep. Dan Raulerson in Florida’s 58th House District on Tuesday.
Scott signed an executive order setting the primary election for October 10. The general election to replace Raulerson will be held Dec. 19.
Raulerson announced he would be resigning from the Florida House of Representatives last week, citing health problems and a need for back surgery as well as a desire to focus on his job as a certified public accountant.
“I need to focus on my health and my business,“ he said, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Raulerson missed many critical votes on the House floor this year as a result of his ongoing back problems, not showing up to seven of the House’s 63 floor sessions and missing 17 of 36 committee meetings where legislation is pushed through to the House floor.
He had surgery to alleviate symptoms, leading some to speculate that, in addition to his growing absences, his back issues would cause him to resign.
Raulerson, a former Plant City mayor, has had a long history of back issues. He was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, a painful disorder which causes an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal.
The tightness of the spinal canal can be extremely painful and symptoms of the disorder include numbness, general pain and even loss of motor functions.
Raulerson’s resignation is effective Aug. 15.
First elected to the Florida House in 2012, Raulerson was first elected to serve as a city commissioner in Plant City, where he later became Mayor.
District 58 covers northern Hillsborough County.
Two Republicans’ names have been floated as possible replacements for Raulerson, setting the stage for what could be a difficult battle for the newly-vacated seat.
Plant City businesswoman Yvonne Fry has already announced she will run for the seat and county Farm Board Bureau board member Lawrence McClure is also pondering a bid for the seat.
The timeline of the special election will put extra pressure on the district’s new representative, who will quickly have to familiarize themselves with local issues before the state legislature reconvenes for the 2018 legislative session in January.
The 2018 legislative session is scheduled to begin Jan. 9 next year.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
READ MORE FROM SUNSHINE STATE NEWS
New Driver's Licenses to Boost Security
The Maduro Regime is Corrupt and Tyrannical
