Z.J. Hafeez is a rarity an American politics: A Muslim running for office. The Democrat who hopes to win the District 67 sstate House seat is a long shot. The district is largely Republican and his been in the hands of the GOP for more than 20 years. But beyond his desire to bring his party's principles to Tallahassee, he hopes his candidacy alone will send a message to those wary of Muslims. "Hopefully, I will be a positive example and show we are positive productive members of society that want to make a difference like anyone else," he said. He faces two candidates in November: John Studebaker, who is running with no party affiliation, and Republican Greg Steube. Read more about it here.

Janet Zink, Times Staff Writer