Vacancies in New Mexico and Florida
January has ended, which means we are well underway into the season of special elections and appointments. Let’s catch up on where things stand. Thirty-eight state legislative special elections that have been scheduled or held as of today.
Florida: Three special elections set for June 2019
On January 25, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced special elections to fill three state house seats left vacant after the previous occupants joined the gubernatorial administration. A special primary is set for April 9, and the special general election is on June 18. The filing deadline for candidates is February 8.
The three seats on the ballot are District 7, District 38, and District 97. The former representatives resigned in January 2019 to fill positions in the governor's administration. Rep. Halsey Beshears (R) of House District 7 became Secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Rep. Danny Burgess (R) of House District 38 became Executive Director of the Department of Veterans' Affairs, and Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D) of House District 97 became Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
As of November 7, 2018, Republicans held 73 seats in the Florida House of Representatives to Democrats' 47. All 120 seats were up for election last November.
Under Florida law, the governor is responsible for calling a special election to fill vacant seats in the state legislature. If the special primary on April 9 is conclusive, the special general election on June 18 will be canceled.
New Mexico: Longtime New Mexico lawmaker dies at 82
Former New Mexico state Rep. Henry “Kiki” Saavedra (D) died on January 28 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. He was 82 years old.
He served in the New Mexico House of Representatives for 37 years from 1977 to 2014. He left office in 2014 when he decided to not seek re-election. While in office, he served as chair of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee and was involved with crafting the state’s annual budget. He also worked for the city of Albuquerque from 1967 to 1995.
Saavedra is survived by his wife, Charissa Saavedra, five children, four step-daughters, 17 grandchildren, and one great-grandson.
New Mexico doesn't hold state leg specials. The state fills vacancies by gubernatorial appointment from a list provided by county commissioners.
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