Local

Florida state representative resigns after federal indictment, race for seat heats

ORLANDO, Fla. — The race to replace a former state lawmaker out of Ocala is heating up.

Former Republican State Representative Joe Harding stepped down last month after being arrested on federal fraud charges.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

Harding is accused of participating in a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration (SBA) and illegally collecting COVID-19 business loans.

In early December, a federal grand jury indicted Harding for wire fraud, money laundering and making false statements.

Read: National park in Florida shut down after hundreds of migrants make landfall

Harding’s trial is scheduled for Jan. 11 at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville.

State records indicate that five republicans have opened campaign accounts to run for that open seat.

Read: Mount Dora police investigate suspicious death of couple at senior living community

So far, no democratic candidates have put their names in the race.

The primary is scheduled for March 7.

Read: Squeeze on Florida’s orange crop may cause surge in orange juice prices, analysts predict

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.