Hopefuls emerge for Fant, Metz, Ahern seats

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A Democratic candidate has taken the initial step toward trying to succeed state Rep. Jay Fant, R-Jacksonville, while two Republicans have entered the races to replace Rep. Larry Metz, R-Yalaha, and Rep. Larry Ahern, R-Seminole, according to the state Division of Elections website.

Jacksonville Democrat Tracye Ann Polson opened a campaign account to run next year in Duval County's House District 15, which will be open because Fant is running for attorney general. Polson joined Jacksonville Republican Wyman Duggan, who opened a campaign account last month for the seat.

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Meanwhile, Clermont Republican Monica Wofford has opened an account to try to succeed the term-limited Metz in Lake County's House District 32.

Republican Shannon Elswick opened an account for the seat in February and had raised $18,625 as of last week, according to the Division of Elections website.

In Pinellas County, Belleair Bluffs Republican Nick DiCeglie has opened an account to try to succeed the term-limited Ahern in House District 66.

Seminole Republican Berny Jacques opened an account for the race in March and had raised $54,813 as of July 31. Also entering the race in recent days was Reform Party candidate Paul Anthony Bachmann of Pinellas Park.