New Guard

Why it matters: Florida's self-proclaimed jobs governor, Rick Scott, is leaving office at the end of 2018. A Republican has held the seat since 1999: Jeb Bush for two terms, Charlie Crist for one term and Scott for two terms.

For a political newcomer when he won the state's gubernatorial race in 2010, Rick Scott has risen quickly. The Republican hasn't officially declared his candidacy, but many political pundits expect he will challenge Democrat Bill Nelson for the U.S. Senate in November.