UPDATE:

The ballot is set, now comes the race to June 24.

Seven candidates four Republicans, one Democrat, a member of the Libertarian Party of Florida and one write-in candidate have qualified for the congressional District 19 special election. The qualifying period ended at noon Wednesday.

Gov. Rick Scott set the dates for the special election in January, just days after former Rep. Trey Radel resigned from office. The 37-year-old Fort Myers Republicans resignation came two months after he pleaded guilty to a possession of cocaine charge.

The special primary election is April 22; the general election is June 24.

State records show these candidates qualified to be on the ballot:

Lizbeth Benacquisto, a Fort Myers Republican

Curt Clawson, a Bonita Springs Republican

April Freeman, a Cape Coral Democrat

Ray Netherwood, a Libertarian Party of Florida candidate from Marco Island

Original post:

Seven candidates qualify for District 19 special election