Republican Debbie Mayfield is looking to return to a familiar place. The GOP's choice in Senate District 19 is facing off against Democrat Vance Ahrens in the Senate District 19 special election tonight.
Mayfield represented Senate District 17 from 2016 to 2024. She also served four terms in the House of Representatives across parts of the Treasure Coast from 2008 to 2016.
Earlier this year, Mayfield cruised in the start of her Senate comeback attempt in the Republican primary, where she earned over 60% of the vote. Republican Sen. Rick Scott and Senate President Ben Albritton had endorsed Mayfield, making her victory a near foregone conclusion.
President Donald Trump has also endorsed her.
"One of my proudest moments was earning the support and endorsement of President Donald Trump," Mayfield said. "Now I'm running for the State Senate to fight alongside the President and Make America Great Again!"
Mayfield's priorities in her bid include fighting the expensive insurance crisis and providing tax relief for Florida families and small businesses. Furthermore, she supports protecting girls in women's sports and defending parental rights.
SD 19 includes part of Brevard County. The seat was held by Randy Fine, who resigned to run for Congress, which proved successful.
If past results are any indication, Mayfield has a good chance at winning the race. Fine defeated Ahrens by 19 points in SD 19 last November.
Donald Trump also won Brevard over Vice President Kamala Harris with nearly 60% of the vote in the November presidential election.
But Mayfield's Senate road wasn't always smooth.
In February, she won a legal battle after the Florida Supreme Court ruled she could run for her old seat. In the lead-up, Mayfield accused Gov. Ron DeSantis of barring her from running for her old job.
Her opponent, Ahrens, is openly transgender. If victorious, Ahrens will become the first openly trans person to serve in the Florida Senate.
Ahrens did not face a Democratic primary challenge. Her list of priorities includes fixing the insurance crisis, protecting the environment, and funding public schools.
Polls close in SD 19 at 7 p.m. Eastern time.
