The News Service of Florida reports that eight Republicans and one Democrat have qualified to run in a special election to replace former state Rep. Joel Rudman, a Navarre Republican who resigned to seek a congressional seat.
The candidates qualified for the state House District 3 race before a Tuesday deadline, according to the Florida Division of Elections website.
Republicans include: Nathan Boyles, Hayden Hudson, Rena McQuaig, Wade Merritt, Shon Owens, Joshua Sik, Cindy Smith, and Jamie Lee Wells.
The lone Democrat is Dondre Wise.
House District 3 includes parts of Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties. Rudman resigned to run in a special election in Congressional District 1 but lost a Jan. 28 primary. The Republican primary in House District 3 will be held on April 1, with the special general election on June 10.