Three Candidates Already Running for Boyd's Seat

BRADENTON – With Rep. Jim Boyd term-limiting out of his district 71 Florida House seat at the end of this term, three contenders have already filed to run for the seat. On the Republican side, James Buchanan (son of Congressman Vern Buchanan) and Bradenton attorney Will Robinson have thrown their hat into the ring. For the Democrats, civil engineer Randy Cooper will seek the nomination.

Boyd, who has been a longtime insurance broker in Bradenton, has proven bulletproof since easily winning the seat in 2010. He ran unopposed in his most recent election, but will not be able to run for the House in 2018 because Florida law limits members of the legislature to eight years in any one post.

Robinson, 41, has deep-rooted connections to the local Republican establishment and would be a strong favorite in most races at this level, despite being a newcomer to running. A Manatee High graduate, Robinson practices real estate law at Blalock Walters. He is on the Manatee Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Board of Governors. Florida Governor Rick Scott also appointed him to the 12th Judicial Circuit Nominating Commission.

Buchanan, 35, works in real estate. He went to high school at Cardinal Mooney, where he was ranked as the top fullback in the nation by most scouting reports before accepting a scholarship to Florida State. He has not been prominent in local politics beyond working on his father's campaigns and isn't nearly as well known in Manatee County, which comprises the bulk of a district that includes Bradenton, Palmetto, the barrier islands and parts of northern Sarasota County. However, his father's name recognition, wealth and local political connections make him an instant competitor.

Cooper, 60, is a graduate of USF's College of Engineering and has worked on many environmental projects in that field. He describes himself as a "a fiscal conservative and a political moderate." Cooper has been a fire district commissioner with the West Manatee Fire and Rescue District since his election in 2008. He currently serves as the president of the Manatee County Fire Commissioner's Association.