The only opening to represent Southwest Florida in the Legislature without getting past an incumbent has made for one of the most watched races in the region. The Republican primary for House District 74 attracted physician Julio Gonzalez and party regular Richard DeNapoli to the fray.

DeNapoli, who moved with his family to Venice last year, chaired the Republican Party of Broward County in 2011 and 2012. The attorney is running on keeping taxes low in the state to make for a better business climate. "I want to see if we can attract companies into the district," he said. "I like what Gov. [Rick] Scott has been touting for bringing businesses to Florida, and I want to make sure to promote to companies that we have a workforce that can be trained for their purposes." That means improving educational resources for fields like science and math and making strides in manufacturing. DeNapoli also wants to see reductions in sales taxes and praised phasing out taxes on leases.

Gonzalez also said he wants job creation, but is stressing the importance of having a representative qualified to address health issues. A physician who just completed a law degree, he feels he could make a difference shaping policy in that arena. "We have a seasoned subpopulation that is largely healthcare consumers, and they view their healthcare as threatened in many ways," he said. "They are very interested in a representative who understands the challenges." He expects a major priority to be the handling of Medicaid in Florida, where he said reimbursements have gone so low it disincentives physicians taking on Medicaid patients at a time when many rely on that system for their needs.

The race has been heated from the start. Gonzalez has stressed that he has a longer history in the community than his opponent. DeNapoli, meanwhile, said he has spent months knocking on doors and actively getting to know the region while his opponent focused earlier this year on professional improvement. DeNapoli has touted his history working with state government, in roles such as Florida real estate commissioner, and his support from such political allies as state Rep. Ray Pilon, R-Sarasota. Gonzalez, who earned the endorsement of the Florida Medical Association, feels his voice would fill a niche in Tallahassee because of his expertise in other areas and not just law and politics.

The two are running to succeed state Rep. Doug Holder, R-Sarasota, who is barred from seeking re-election by term limits. The primary is open only to Republican voters, thanks to two write-in candidates in the contest. The winner of the primary will face only the write-in opposition in the general election. The primary is scheduled for Aug. 26.