State Rep. Ray Pilon, R-Sarasota, announced Wednesday he will seek re-election to his Florida House District 72 seat. The move ensures the contest for the Sarasota-centered seat will be among the most interesting for political watchers in the region, as Ed James III plans to launch his own Democratic campaign for the seat today, and it remains to be seen whether Osprey Republican Robert Wyatt will leave the race just because Pilon is in it.

Pilon toyed with running for a state Senate seat many expect to open if state Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, seeks another office. But Pilon ultimately feels there is more reason to stay in his current job. “There is a lot more I want to finish in the House,” Pilon told SRQ. If re-elected, this will be Pilon’s fourth consecutive term, and the final one before term limits prevent running again. 

The potential of Detert’s seat opening up has legislators throughout the region eyeing a promotion. Former state Rep. Doug Holder, R-Sarasota, and state Rep. Greg Steube, R-Bradenton, both want to run for that office, and many expect former Sarasota County Commissioner Nora Patterson to enter the fray soon. In contrast, Wyatt was the only Republican running for Pilon’s House seat. To date, Wyatt has loaned his own campaign $150,000, according to campaign finance records. Pilon hopes Wyatt will leave the race rather than force a primary. Wyatt could not be reached Wednesday evening.

But the Democrats have their eyes on the seat as well. James plans to formally launch his campaign with an event at the Bayfront Community Center in Sarasota today. The Democrat, who has held successful behind-the-scenes roles in a variety of other successful campaigns, said Pilon’s presence in the race won’t impact his plans. “It doesn’t change our strategy at all,” James said. “Voters in the area are looking for a fresh, new direction.” 

Pilon noted he has never run without Democratic opposition. He was elected in 2010, upsetting state Rep. Keith Fitzgerald, D-Sarasota, and fended off Democratic challenges from now-Sarasota City Commissioner Liz Alpert in 2012 and then candidate Greg Para in 2014. 

The primary for State House District 72 will be held Aug. 30, 2016, with the general election scheduled for Nov. 8, 2016.