Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach is leaving the Senate to run for the Democratic nomination for attorney general and Gwen Margolis is the front-runner to take this seat which represents Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
Incoming Democratic Senate Leader Nan Rich of Weston will have the chance to represent parts of Broward and Miami-Dade counties for another term. She has no opposition. Rich posted solid fund-raising, bringing in more than $243,000 and spending more than $53,000 before sewing up the race.
Sen. Jeremy Ring, D-Margate, has represented parts of Broward County since 2006 and it appears that he will have his chance to serve his constituents even longer. Ring, who was praised by AIF for his work on port issues in the 2010 session, has brought in more than $105,000 and kept most of it -- spending more than $33,000so far.
With Ted Deutch having vacated this seat after winning election to Congress, the Democrats keep this seat covering parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties. Rep. Maria Lorts Sachs, D-Delray Beach, is the only candidate who made the ballot. Sachs raised more than $60,000 and spent more than $18,000.
Having won in a special election in 2009, Sen. Joe Negron, R-Palm City, has not drawn any opposition and so will continue to represent Martin County and parts of Indian River, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties for another four years.
With Sen. Dave Aronberg of Greenacres running in the Democratic attorney general primary, this seat representing parts of Charlotte, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Palm Beach County is up for grabs. Both the Democratic and Republican primaries have drawn serious contenders, making the battle for this seat one to watch,in the primaries as well asthe general election in November.
Incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, has a number of challenges as he steps up to his new role, tries to prop up Attorney General Bill McCollums floundering gubernatorial campaign, and tackles Medicaid and other health-care issues.
All eyes are on the race to replace Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, who is vacating the seat to run for state CFO.
Sen. Thad Altman, R-Viera, jumped from the House to the Senate in 2008 and represents parts of Brevard, Orange and Seminole counties.
With Sen. Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs, term-limited out of office, former Rep. David Simmons--who served in the House from 2000 until 2008 --is headed back to Tallahassee. Simmons is the only candidate who made the November ballot, keeping this seat -- which covers parts of Orange and Seminole counties --in Republican hands.
