Mack Bernard coasts into Senate seat unopposed

Palm Beach Commissioner Mack Bernard is heading back to the Legislature after no one filed to run against him for the soon-to-be-vacant Senate District 24 seat.

He’ll succeed Sen. Bobby Powell, a fellow Democrat now seeking Bernard’s County Commission job.

“I am just so thankful for the opportunity to continue my service,” Bernard said.

Gov. Ron DeSantis called a Special Election for SD 24 last month after Powell announced his resignation.

The deadline to qualify was Tuesday. Only Bernard, a former state Representative and Delray Beach Commissioner, filed in time.

He and Powell announced plans to swap seats last year.

– Jesse Scheckner, Florida Politics