Development in Florida Races: re Central Fl Democratic candidates.

Randolph will not run for re-election, endorses Stewart

State Rep. Scott Randolph said Tuesday he will not run for re-election and instead seek the state Democratic Party chairmanship, opening the door for former Orange County commissioner Linda Stewart to run for the House.

Randolph, D-Orlando, who has been putting out feelers for weeks about running for the state party job, is chairman of the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee. State party chair Rod Smith is stepping down at the end of this year. Randolph said he didn't want to short-change constituents or the party by splitting his work demands.

Randolph also said he and his wife, Susannah — head of Florida Watch, a progressive group that runs the "Pink Slip Rick" effort opposing Gov. Rick Scott — are endorsing Stewart as his successor.

"We have just been waiting until we could get a good candidate recruited to run for my seat," Randolph said. "We thought [Stewart] would be a very good candidate."

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-scott-randolph-linda-stewart-20120529,0,797921.story