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Several Line Up To Replace Former Senator Frank Artiles In Special Election

Governor Rick Scott may have just called for a special election, but several people are already lining up to replace Frank Artiles. The former state senator was forced to resign last month over controversial comments he made to his former colleagues.

On Tuesday, Annette Taddeo—a former chair of Miami-Dade Democratic Party—announced her Senate run for the District 40 seat in South Florida.  She was also Charlie Crist’s 2014 running mate.

Rep. Jose Felix Diaz (R-Miami) is now running for the Senate seat as well. He’d indicated those plans during his farewell on the House floor Monday.

“They say that all good things must come to an end, and to an end, my time in the Florida House comes—abruptly, joyously, and without regret,” he said, at the time.

Meanwhile, former Republican Senator Alex Diaz de la Portilla—a veteran lawmaker—as well as Rep. Daisy Baez (D-Coral Gables)—a freshman lawmaker—have also filed. The Primary is set for July 25, while the Special Election is set for September 26.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.