Special Election To Be Held For Former Rep. Radel's Seat
MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — Governor Rick Scott said a special election will be held to fill the seat left vacant by former U.S. Rep. Trey Radel.
Radel resigned earlier this week.
Gov. Scott issued an executive order Friday setting April 22 for the primary and June 24 for the general election. The district includes the Gulf Coast cities of Fort Myers and Naples.
On Nov. 20, Radel pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of cocaine possession and was sentenced to a year of probation. He admitted to purchasing 3.5 grams of cocaine from an undercover officer Oct. 29 in Washington.
Several GOP leaders had asked him to resign. But Radel had pledged to stay in office and rebuild constituents' trust after completing in-patient treatment for drug and alcohol abuse.
Radel had been in office for 10 months when charged.
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