With Rep. Debbie Mayfield, R-Melbourne, aiming to return to the Florida Senate, a growing number of Republicans are stepping forward to vie for her House District 32 seat.
Melbourne Republican Terrence Cronin Jr. became the latest contender last week, officially opening a campaign account for the 2026 race, according to the Florida Division of Elections. Cronin joins a crowded GOP field that includes Brian Hodgers, Matt Susin, and Robert William White, all of whom have also opened campaign accounts.
READ: Florida And Nevada Lawmakers’ “No CORRUPTION Act” Heads To Biden
While the accounts are technically filed for the 2026 election cycle, the candidates may instead compete in a special election if Mayfield vacates her seat early.
Mayfield, who served eight years in the Florida Senate before returning to the House in November, announced last month her intention to run for Senate District 19. The seat will become vacant when Sen. Randy Fine, R-Brevard County, resigns on March 31, 2025.
Fine is leaving the Senate to pursue a congressional bid in Florida’s 6th Congressional District, where a special election will be held on April 1 to replace U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz.
Waltz, in turn, is stepping down to serve as President-elect Donald Trump’s national security adviser.
READ: Attorney General Moody Urges FEMA To Ease Regulations For Hurricane Recovery In Florida
With Mayfield expected to focus on her Senate campaign, House District 32—a key Republican stronghold in Brevard County—is drawing significant interest from GOP hopefuls.
- Brian Hodgers, a familiar name in local politics, has previously run for the House and remains active in Republican circles.
- Matt Susin, a Brevard County School Board member, brings experience in education policy and a track record of public service.
- Robert William White, also a Republican, has positioned himself as a strong contender in the race.
- Terrence Cronin Jr., the most recent entrant, adds to the competitive lineup.
While a special election to replace Fine in Senate District 19 has not yet been scheduled, the House District 32 race is shaping up to be a highly contested Republican primary. The outcome will likely depend on how soon Mayfield formally exits her House seat to pursue her Senate campaign.
As political dominoes continue to fall in Florida following President-elect Trump’s victory and Fine’s congressional aspirations, Brevard County remains at the center of a reshuffling of state and federal leadership.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.