Michael Ferguson launches campaign to flip open coastal Broward House seat blue

The race to replace term-limited state Rep. Chip LaMarca just gained its second Democratic contender.

Michael Ferguson, a military veteran, prosecutor and South Florida lawyer, announced he is running for House District 100, adding to a growing and increasingly competitive field in coastal Broward County.

Ferguson, 32, enters the race as Democrats look to flip a seat long held by Republicans. LaMarca, a Lighthouse Point lawmaker first elected in 2018, cannot seek re-election in 2026.

Despite being located in heavily Democratic Broward County, HD 100 has remained in GOP hands for years and is considered a rare Republican stronghold in the region.

Ferguson is gearing his campaign to focus on affordability, public safety and environmental protection — issues, he argues, that are most pressing for residents.

His campaign is also emphasizing his local ties, including his longtime Lauderdale-by-the-Sea residency and law school alma mater, Nova Southeastern University. He attended Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale, where he was captain of the football and lacrosse teams.

“I’ve spent my career standing up for others — holding offenders accountable, defending constitutional rights, and fighting for victims,” he said in a statement.

“I’m running for the Florida House because our community deserves leadership that’s focused on what actually matters: lowering costs, keeping our neighborhoods safe, protecting our coastline, and making sure people’s voices are heard — not ignored.”

An active-duty U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate, Ferguson served as both a prosecutor and defense counsel, handling serious criminal cases and advising on military operations in Europe and the Middle East.

He later became one of the youngest Special Trial Counsel in Air Force history, prosecuting violent crimes worldwide.

Since returning to South Florida, Ferguson has worked as a lawyer at Krupnick Campbell Malone, a firm founded by the late state Sen. Walter “Skip” Campbell, a prominent Broward Democrat.

Ferguson has engaged in local civic issues, including recently opposing a proposal to name a local roadway after President Donald Trump, urging instead that voters decide the matter.

He has been named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 in Florida, a recognition that honors lawyers for their leadership, reputation and results.

Ferguson will face at least one Democratic Primary opponent: Jim Brenner, a banker, condo association leader and former aide to U.S. Sen. John Kerry who unsuccessfully challenged LaMarca in 2024.

Republicans running include Yoni Anijar, Raul Gallon, Eric Stelnicki and Christopher Vincent.

HD 100 covers a coastal stretch of Broward from Fort Lauderdale to Deerfield Beach. It’s the only legislative district fully within the county in GOP hands.

The Primary is Aug. 18, followed by the General Election on Nov. 3.