After getting skipped over last year for an appointment as a circuit judge, former House Judiciary Chairman Charles McBurney, R-Jacksonville, has taken the first formal step toward running for a judgeship in 2018.
McBurney opened a campaign account last week to run for circuit judge in the 4th Judicial Circuit, which includes Duval, Clay and Nassau counties, according to the state Division of Elections website.
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McBurney served in the House from 2007 to 2016, when he was term-limited.
He sought an appointment last year to an open judicial seat but drew opposition from influential National Rifle Association lobbyist Marion Hammer.
That opposition stemmed from McBurney's role last year in blocking a bill that dealt with the "stand your ground" self-defense law.
Gov. Rick Scott appointed Robert Dees to the judgeship in June.