Rep. Loranne Ausley eyes Sen. Bill Montford's senate seat

Rep. Loranne Ausley, D-Tallahassee, is eyeing Sen. Bill Montford’s seat. But out of deference to the widely-respected Montford, the veteran lawmaker and child advocate is waiting for him to make the next move.

When he leaves the Florida Senate, either term-limited in two years, or next month, as reported, to run for Tallahassee mayor, Ausley will be a candidate for the District 3 seat.

“I am just concerned that the questions about the Senate race may be a bit premature,” Ausley told the Tallahassee Democrat Wednesday morning.  “(But) I am absolutely interested in continuing my public service in the Florida Senate when Senator Montford completes his term." 

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Montford said he will decide what’s next for himself and other Tallahassee politicians before March 9, the scheduled end of the legislative session. Last week, FloridaPolitics reported Tallahassee community leaders had approached the two-term senator and former Leon County commissioner about running for the open mayor seat in November.

Mayor Andrew Gillum is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor and City Commissioner Gil Ziffer, who considered running for the seat, changed his mind this week and came out in favor of Montford stepping into the race.

“People who love Tallahassee have asked me to consider it and out of respect for them I am considering it,” said Montford.

The move is not expected to change the status quo in the Legislature. Republicans enjoy a 23 -15 advantage in the Senate and a near super majority in the House – with 34 members more than Democrats.

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However, a Montford resignation opens two of the four seats representing Tallahassee and Leon County in the Legislature.  Rep. Halsey Beshears, R-Monticello, in his third term would become the dean of the delegation. Beshears represents many of the District 3 counties in the Florida House.

He hasn’t returned phone calls about whether he has an interest in the Senate.  

Rep. Ramon Alexander, D-Tallahassee, said his sole focus is on representing District 8.

Talk of the Leon County delegation appeared to have caught Leon County Commissioner Bryan Desloge, like many, by surprised. He is the president of the National Association of Counties and has served on the commission for 12 years. 

“I haven’t made any decisions about my political future,” said Desloge when reached in Tel Aviv. “Obviously, the recent announcements have changed the landscape. Let’s just say I’m watching with interest.”

Desloge, a Republican, has challenged House Speaker Richard Corcoran on issues related to home rule issue and mandates imposed on local governments. At times, his advocacy for the county also put him at odds with Montford.

Ausley served four terms in the Florida House before being termed out in 2008. She returned eight years later with a 12-point win over Republican Jim Messer.  That same election Montford easily outpaced his competitor with a 35-point victory.

Democrats feel confident they can hold both seats if Montford and Ausley were to seek other offices.

“I’m following the potential transition very closely and I intend to sit down with Rep. Ausley and Sen. Montford,” said Rep. Kionne McGhee, D-Miami, who leads the House Democrats 2018 campaign effort.

“I don’t want to speculate about how events will unfold, but I can say we are going to be prepared,” said McGhee.

Reporter James Call can be reached at jcall@tallahassee.com.