The 2001 special election for Florida's 1st congressional district took place on October 16, 2001, to fill the vacancy caused by Representative Joe Scarborough's resignation. Florida's 1st congressional district was a staunchly conservative district stretching from Panama City Beach to Pensacola in the Florida Panhandle.

State Representative Jeff Miller, the Republican nominee, easily defeated Steve Briese, a financial writer and the Democratic nominee.

Democratic primary Candidates Steve Briese, financial writer, Army veteran Chuck Lynch

Results

Republican primary Candidates Jeff Miller, Florida State Representative Michael C. Francisco, retired Air Force Colonel Randy Knepper, former congressional aide to Representative Earl Hutto Bob Condon, attorney, 2000 Republican candidate for Congress Robert "Bob" Pappas, retired Marines Colonel Ken Revell

Results

General election Campaign Political commentators widely expected that Miller, who had previously represented parts of the 1st District in the state legislature, would easily triumph over Briese and John G. Ralls Jr., a podiatrist running as an independent candidate, given the district's strong conservative lean. Nevertheless, to promote his campaign, Briese walked 100 miles across the district. He campaigned on his service in the military, which he argued was particularly important in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, which occurred a little more than a month before the election. Given the location of seven military installations in the district, including Pensacola Naval Air Station and Eglin Air Force Base, Briese emphasized both his experience in the military and his time working as a contractor on repair projects for some of the bases. Miller, meanwhile, emphasized his support for then-President George W. Bush, saying, "Our president needs a partner in the 1st Congressional District. I am ready to be that partner." However, all three candidates announced their support for then-President George W. Bush's leadership in the war on terror.

Ultimately, owing to the conservative nature of the district, Miller defeated Briese and Ralls in a landslide, and won his first term in Congress.

Results

By County County Jeff MillerRepublican Steve BrieseDemocratic John RallsIndependent All others Margin Total votes cast # % # % # % # % # % Bay (part) 1,483 71.2% 557 26.7% 39 1.9% 4 0.2% 926 44.5% 2,083 Escambia 18,851 62.3% 9,616 31.8% 1,769 5.8% 6 0.1% 9,235 30.5% 30,242 Holmes 633 54.6% 506 43.7% 20 1.7% 0 0.0% 127 10.9% 1,159 Okaloosa 18,239 65.4% 7,341 26.3% 2,316 8.3% 0 0.0% 10,898 39.1% 27,896 Santa Rosa 11,601 75.7% 3,012 19.7% 703 4.6% 4 0.1% 8,569 56.0% 15,320 Walton 2,440 55.8% 1,663 38.0% 268 6.1% 0 0.0% 777 17.8% 4,371Totals53,24765.68%22,69527.99%5,1156.31%140.02%30,55237.69%81,071

References