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.
With Sen. Carey Baker, R-Eustis, stepping down after six years in the Senate, Rep. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, is a heavy favorite to win the seat, which covers parts of Lake, Marion, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia counties.
With Sen. Charlie Justice, D-St. Petersburg, leaving the Senate after one term to challenge U.S. Rep. Bill Young, Republicans are licking their lips over what appears to be an easy opportunity to expand their majority by picking up this seat covering parts of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.
Democrats have high hopes of picking up this seat stretching across the northern part of the state, containing all of Alachua, Bradford, Gilchrist and Union counties and parts of Columbia, Levy, Marion and Putnam counties. Nevertheless,Republican Sen. Steve Oelrich of Gainesville remains the favorite.
