1st Democrat files for Florida House #67 race

Z.J. Hafeez, an Apollo Beach attorney, over the weekend became the first Democrat to announce his candidacy in next year's race in Florida House District 67. Also running to replace Rep. Ron Reagan, R-Bradenton, are four Republicans.

Over the weekend, Hafeez sent out the following news release:

Z. J. Hafeez, Democrat, announced his candidacy for State Representative in Florida’s 67th House District, currently represented by Ron Reagan, who is unable to seek reelection due to term-limits. The 67th District covers parts of South Hillsborough County, Manatee County, and North Sarasota County.

“I am working to be your next State Representative because in these times of economic hardship, we need a strong, independent voice in the Florida House,” Z.J. said. “It’s time to focus on Florida’s recovery by taking a responsible new approach to growth and economic development, in our district and across our great state. That means standing up to special interests and standing up for homeowners, working families and small businesses. It means investing in aging infrastructure and ensuring that new commercial and residential development doesn’t come at the cost of a community’s quality of life. It means creating good new jobs, reducing energy costs and protecting our environment, through a commitment to bold alternative energy initiatives. It means helping workers displaced by the Recession to find new job training and placement opportunities. And it means increasing, rather than slashing education spending, to better prepare our children for the competitive challenges of the twenty-first century workplace.”

Z. J. is a native of the South Shore community, and a product of the Hillsborough County Public Schools. Z. J. graduated from the State University System’s Public Liberal Arts Honors College—New College of Florida, and earned his law degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. ZJ returned to his South Shore roots, bringing his wide array of experience and skills to the community, including serving as chairman of the Tampa Bay Community Education Center's Youth Group. Currently, Z.J. works in corporate legal affairs, and resides in Apollo Beach.

The four Republicans currently in the race are Jeremiah Guccione, Robert McCann, Marie Nisco and Greg Steube.