With Senate Minority Leader Al Lawson, D-Tallahassee, ending his years of service in the Legislature to challenge U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd, this seat representing all of Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Jackson, Liberty and Wakulla counties and parts of Bay, Jefferson, Leon and Madison counties has an interesting contest for the Democratic nomination.

Former Leon County Schools Superintendent Bill Montford has waged an impressive campaign for the Democratic nomination. Besides winning the backing of a good deal of the Democratic establishment, Montford has raised more than $338,000 in cash and had under $90,000 on hand at the end of the quarter. Former Rep. Curtis Richardson has waged a solid ground campaign but he has not been able to keep up with Montford. Richardson has raised just under $100,000 with less than $34,000 on hand at the end of the quarter. Former Rep. Loranne Ausley had considered running in the primary but instead opted to run for state CFO as the Democratic nominee.

The Democratic candidate in this race will be an overwhelming favorite come November. John Shaw, a computer repair business owner, has the Republican nomination. Having raised less than $2,500 in cash so far in the race, he will have challenges keeping up with whoever emerges as the Democratic nominee. David Abrams is running without party affiliation, while Harrison Arencibian and Reamonn Soto are running as write-in candidates.