A dozen candidates have joined the race to fill the big shoes left behind by the late U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, in what some have called a political free-for-all. Since congressional seats donât often become available, both career politicians and newcomers have chosen to seize the once-in-a-generation opportunity to become a member of Congress.
But Gov. Ron DeSantis has decided to turn this already contentious match of political chess into a waiting game. He announced Tuesday that the special primary election to replace Hastings would take place Nov. 2, and the general election would take place Jan. 11 - leaving the residents of Floridaâs 20th congressional district without representation for over nine months, and candidates frustrated.Â