TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Early voting is now underway to replace Tampa City Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson, who died in June.

There are 13 hopefuls on the ballot, and there is one man who is running as a write-in candidate.

Angela Birdsong is the president of the Hillsborough County Democratic Black Caucus.

“A lot of Republicans are thinking 'hey, this is our chance to get in,' but we are hoping the seat stays blue and Democratic,” Birdsong said.

The sample ballot tells voters that the District 5 Special Election is nonpartisan. However, county Democrats are throwing their support behind nine candidates.

“We have no idea who the top two are going to be, but we know there is going to be a runoff,” Birdsong said.

That likely runoff is scheduled for Oct. 28.

County Republicans are throwi

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