Florida Lawmaker Challenges Disqualification From Senate Race Over Term Limits

Rep. Debbie Mayfield accuses Governor Ron DeSantis of political retaliation as she seeks Florida Supreme Court intervention.

Rep. Debbie Mayfield, a Republican from Brevard County, was disqualified from running in a special election for her former Senate seat due to Florida’s constitutional term limits.
Mayfield argues that the term-limit provision does not apply to her candidacy because she took a break from the Senate before seeking re-election.
She has filed an emergency petition with the Florida Supreme Court, claiming the Department of State overstepped its authority in disqualifying her.
Mayfield alleges her disqualification is political retaliation by Governor Ron DeSantis for endorsing Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race.
The court has ordered state officials to respond to Mayfield’s petition by February 10, with the special primary scheduled for April 1 and the general election for June 10.