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Congressional District 7 candidates discuss issues ahead of Florida primary

Forum focused on topics facing business community

LAKE MARY, Fla. – With less than two weeks before the primary election, candidates for the highly contested U.S. House District 7 took on several issues on Thursday in Lake Mary.

The Seminole County Chamber hosted a forum with seven of the eight candidates who hope to represent the district for the next two years.

District 7 encompasses all of Seminole County and the southern portion of Volusia County.

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The forum focused on topics facing the business community, such as taxes, government contracting, and technology.

Four republicans are running for the seat, including incumbent Cory Mills, Ryan Elijah, Sarah Ulrich, and Michael Don Johnson.

The three democrats on the ballot are Bane Dalton, Alan Grayson, and Marialana Kinter.

Christopher Dennison, who is running under the Libertarian Party of Florida, did not attend Thursday’s discussion.

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During the forum, candidates discussed business deregulation, permit reforms, and taxes.

The rising cost of energy was another topic, along with allowing small businesses to have greater access to capital.

Early voting in Seminole County begins on Saturday, and Primary Election Day is on Aug. 18.