Bill Young II Enters Race Against Dwight Dudley

Bill Young II announced on Monday he would run for the Republican nomination to challenge Florida Rep. Dwight Dudley, D-St. Petersburg. Young contemplated running for the congressional seat left vacant by the death of his father, longtime U.S. Rep. Bill Young, R-Fla., but decided against running in the special election.

The new candidate does not have an open march to the Republican nomination as GOP activist Joshua Black is also in the primary field. But Black hasnt done much fundraising since entering the race in January 2013, raising more than $3,600, loaning his campaign almost $700 and spending $3,250. Dudley has been more active, raising more than $62,000, using $18,000 of in-kind donations and spending almost $3,700.

This is a Democratic-leaning district but Young has a well-regarded name in Pinellas County. Expect this House contest to be very competitive.