State Rep. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, is the unanimous choice of the Republican Party's executive board to replace former U.S. Rep. Mark Foley in the 16th Congressional district. The vote came Monday afternoon in a meeting at the Hyatt at Orlando International Airport.

"I am pleased with the Party's choice," said U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez. "Representative Negron is a man of integrity and he will represent Floridians with honor."

Negron, who turns 45 next week, faces Democrat Tim Mahoney, a wealthy businessman and former Republican from Palm Beach Gardens. It will be a difficult challenge for the Republican, having only five weeks for the entire campaign and forced to run in a race in which Foley's name will remain on the ballot. But the district has a history of performing well for Republican candidates.