MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — Republican Ashley Moody was appointed as Florida’s newest senator last year to replace U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Now the former prosecutor and state attorney general is looking to fill the role permanently, if elected by voters.

“We’ve delivered for the space coast and private investment, we’ve rolled back regulations to help one of our number one industries which is the Florida orange, we have brought in billions of dollars in disaster relief we’d been waiting on for many, many years because we got in there, got to the work, and that isn’t party related,” said Moody.

But three other Republicans are vying for the same senate seat.

Among them is Chris Gleason, a U.S. Army veteran and data forensics expert.

“I have a long and demonstrated history of trying to do the right thing and exposing corruption and fraud wherever I see it on both sides of the aisle,” said Gleason.

Candidate Dr. Neelam Taneja Perry is currently in a legal battle. She is accused by the state of writing prescriptions for people she never met.

“For me it’s not just politics, it’s my mission,” she said.

Perry said she decided to run after hitting a snag of her own when accessing treatment for a prior health scare.

“I stand for the people,” she said. “I am fighting for the rights of the people, not just in healthcare, but there’s corruption at every level and every field. My opponent works for special interests.”

Pastor Ernie Rivera believes his background in finance and as a licensed housing manager could help curb South Florida’s affordability problems.

“Our campaign is based on faith, family and Florida first,” said Rivera. “I think that describes exactly why people would be interested. We worked with the Trump administration, the first Trump administration. We served in many areas helping the communities.”

The winner in the Aug. 18 primary will to head-to-head with the prevailing Democrat during the main election in November.

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