Jacob Ogles
A series of political dominoes led to Republican voters in House District 32 having a Primary on Tuesday. Republicans Terry Cronin, Brian Hodgers and Bob White are all running to succeed outgoing Rep. Debbie Mayfield, a candidate for Senate.
The race has seen each candidate spend upward of six figures, which has contributed to an often-personal battle of personalities.
The most financial support has gone to Hodgers, owner of Complete Choice Insurance and Complete Choice Realty. A leader of the Brevard County Trump Club, he said his business background will help Florida develop policy and handle its current growth patterns.
“With Florida’s great success, we’ve begun to experience some challenges associated with rapid population growth, rising housing and insurance costs, and pressure on our natural resources,” he said on his website.
“I believe we can deal with those challenges successfully without raising taxes, increasing the size and scope of government, or creating draconian regulations. Together, by maintaining our commitment to freedom and conservative principles, we will keep Florida affordable, safe, and prosperous for all.”
Hodgers spent nearly $180,000 through March 27, and still had more than $160,000 in cash at that point to spend in the final days before the Primary. All of that has come via outside donations.
Cronin, a dermatologist, also has owned a business in the region for years, Cronin Skin Cancer Center. He hopes to bring health care policy expertise to the House.
“As a physician, I’ve witnessed the challenges our community faces with healthcare access firsthand,” he writes on his website. “I’m not just a doctor; I’m a husband, father, and conservative who understands the importance of family, faith, and freedom. Let me be your advocate in Tallahassee to bring real change to our healthcare system and champion the values we hold dear here in Brevard.”
Cronin actually spent the most to date, burning through more than $292,000 ahead of the Primary, after putting $235,000 out of pocket into the race through a candidate loan. He has also been the most aggressive about attacking opponents for past transgressions in their lives.
White, meanwhile, has long been politically active with the Republican Liberty Caucus, both in Brevard County and at the state level. He also ran for Governor in 2018 He spent a modest $141,000 on the race as of March 27. Much of that was fueled from his own money after he put down a $110,000 loan to back up his candidacy.
“He has advanced policies that safeguard individual freedoms, limit government overreach, and empower communities. His leadership has inspired grassroots movements across the state that focus on putting We The People first,” his website reads.
The winner of the Republican Primary will advance to a Special General Election on June 10, where he will face Juan Hinojosa, the Democrat whom Mayfield defeated in November.
