Bill Conerly and Rich Tatem file to run for the Florida House seat being vacated by Tommy Gregory

©2024 The News Service of Florida

After Rep. Tommy Gregory, R-Lakewood Ranch, was named this month as the next president of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, two candidates quickly filed paperwork to try to succeed him in the House.

Lakewood Ranch Republicans Bill Conerly and Rich Tatem opened campaign accounts to run in Manatee County’s House District 72, according to the state Division of Elections website.

Gregory, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, had opened an account to run again in November.

But the college’s Board of Trustees on April 5 selected him to replace retiring President Carol Probstfeld.

As of mid-day Monday, no other candidates had opened accounts in District 72, according to the Division of Elections website.