Nathan Boyles, Dondre Wise Face-Off in HD 3 Special Election

Yes, there is a special election today in June. Up in the Florida Panhandle, voters will decide between Republican Nathan Boyles and Democrat Dondre Wise in House District 3.

HD 3 covers most of Santa Rosa County and part of Okaloosa County. It is also heavily Republican, which could give Boyles the edge heading into the night.

Former Republican Rep. Joel Rudman carried the district with 78% of the vote over Democrat Keith Ellis Gillum back in November. Rudman later resigned to run for Congress, but was ultimately unsuccessful.

Donald Trump also won both counties with over 70% of the vote over Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential general election.

Boyles is a former Okaloosa County Commissioner. He emerged from a crowded HD 3 Republican primary in April to face Wise in the general election.

He was also endorsed by the Florida Chamber, which had this to say on his run before his primary victory.

"As a local business owner and entrepreneur, Nathan Boyles is committed to championing the policies necessary to further Florida’s global competitiveness, job creation, and vibrant quality of life," the Florida Chamber said. 

Wise was raised in nearby Penscola and served in the U.S. Navy. He did not have an opponent in the Democratic primary.

While Boyles is the likely favorite over Wise, here is a bit of intrigue.

Earlier this year, Democrat Gay Valimont beat Republican Jimmy Patronis in Escambia County in Congressional District 1. Escambia County is just west of Santa Rosa County, where the special election is partially taking place tonight.

While Patronis won the district overall, it was the first time a Democrat had won Escambia County since the early 1990s. Valimont's victory was fueled by a higher turnout than usual for a special election.

Is that a good sign for Wise?

It could bring some suspense as voters head to the polls until 7 p.m. Central time.