Gov. Scott sets special election to replace Radel

Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) on Friday selected April 22 for the special primary election to replace former Rep. Trey Radel (R-Fla.), who resigned earlier this week.  

The primary in April will likely decide who will serve out the remainder of Radel’s term in the GOP-leaning district. The general election is slated for June 24. 

{mosads}Radel won Florida’s 19th District with 62 percent of the vote in 2012. Former GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney carried the district with a nearly equal amount of the vote in the presidential election. 

Radel resigned on Monday after pleading guilty to cocaine possession late last year. Radel made a brief appearance back in Washington before announcing he could no longer effectively serve his constituents.  

A crowded field is expected to compete in the April primary, with former state Rep. Paige Kreegel (R) already announcing a bid. 

Florida voters have already gone to the polls in a separate special election to replace Rep. Bill Young (R-Fla.) who died in office last year. Republican David Jolly and Democrat Alex Sink were nominated in their respective primaries earlier this month, with the general election coming March 11. 

Scott on Friday signed the executive order setting the special election.