Two more Democrats file for Randy Fine's District 33 Florida House seat in South Brevard

The soon-to-be-open Florida House of Representatives District 33 seat currently held by Randy Fine (R-Palm Bay) has quickly formed into a seven-person race even before the election year begins.

Two additional Brevard County Democrats have entered the race making an even split of three each between the major parties in addition to one Libertarian who have filed to succeed Fine, who is running for the Florida Senate District 19 after he leaves his current office due to term limits.

Vernon Anderson, of West Melbourne, is a 22-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force with a masters degree in aeronautical science from Embry Riddle. He also serves on the West Melbourne Planning and Zoning Board and the Space Coast Cultural Arts and Business Organization

"Our campaign is about giving power back to the people, ensuring that their voices are heard in every decision that affects their lives. Together, we will build a more inclusive, empowered, and prosperous District 33,"Democrat Anderson said in a statement.

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He said his campaign will focus on government overreach in education, voting rights, women's right to choose and supporting development and growth in South Brevard communities.

The other Democrat is Marina Vitale, who has a Merritt Island address listed on campaign filing forms, could not be reached for comment. Merritt Island is not included in District 33, which encompasses South Brevard. Candidates who live outside their districts would have to establish residency before taking office if they were to win the race.

Republicans Monique Miller, Logan Luse and Erika Orriss are all flexing their staunchly conservative bona fides as reasons they are right for the seat.

Also running are Democrat Anthony Yantz, who previously ran against Fine and lost, and Libertarian Grover Bentley.

House District 33 includes much of South Brevard including parts of West Melbourne, Palm Bay and Malabar. Members of the Florida House receive a $29,697 annual salary and serve for two-year terms with a limit of four terms.

The three Democrats and three Republicans will face off in two separate closed primaries to take place in August of next year preceding the Nov. 5, 2024 general election.

There are 120,713 registered voters in District 33, according to the Supervisor of Elections website. Republicans outnumber Democrats on voter registration in District 33 by 46,723 to 37,607. Those with no party affiliation add up to nearly as many with 32,909 while 3,474 have smaller party affiliations.

Tyler Vazquez is the Brevard County and North Brevard Watchdog Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Vazquez at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Seven candidates have filed for District 33 seat held by Randy Fine