Ahead of Broward State Attorney Mike Satz's retirement after more than four decades in office, eight Democratic candidates have raised their hands to take his place.

Attorneys David Cannady, Teresa Fanning-Williams, Joe Kimok, James "Jimmy" Stewart Lewis, Justin McCormack, Sarahnell Murphy, Harold Fernandez Pryor and Joshua Rydell have each answered five questions about why they deserve a vote in Florida's Aug. 18 primary election. Responses have been edited for style and content.

Independent candidate Broward Assistant State Attorney Sheila Alu and Republican civil litigator Gregg Rossman will also run for state attorney in the November general election.

Related: 2020 South Florida Elections: Use this Voter Guide to Learn More About Candidates Running for Judge

David Cannady

Cannady is an assistant Broward state attorney, and has worked in the U.S. Senate and the Obama administration.

Assistant Broward State Attorney David Cannady. Courtesy photo

Why are you running for this position?

I am running for running for state attorney because our criminal justice system needs to be reformed. Broward deserves a champion for justice with experience in law, legislation and policy that will fight for victims and fight to reform. David is that champion! I am passionate about running for this position because I firmly believe through experience Broward County needs to experience an impactful change for all citizens. Our communities are in need of equitable and fair prosecution through all of the courts. A great deal of compromise has hit the vulnerable members of our community including communities of color, lower class, the elderly and disenfranchised populations. We all deserve a growing economy, justice, security, trust, as well as peace of mind when it comes to interacting with law enforcement. As times continue to change and the generations move forward, it is clear that Broward County needs 21st century prosecution in order to thrive!

What about your experience qualifies you for the position?

I am currently a prosecutor for Broward County focusing on some of our county's worst crimes. I already do the work for the position of state attorney. State attorney is not only a prosecutor position but it is managerial as well, responsible for the entire team. I have been involved in policy and law for almost 15 years. My foundation for generational change started when I worked for Sen. Jim Webb's campaign in 2006.

I later headed a field office that managed over 200 volunteers. I traveled through the state, speaking about reform as the foundation of change. During the campaign, I was able to give speeches in front of hundreds of supporters and, at the end of the campaign, developed a speech on generational change in front of 13,000 volunteers and supporters from the surrounding areas.

After that, I worked in the U.S. Senate and in the White House for the Obama administration. During this time, I worked on laws and policies which affect us today—criminal justice reform, health care, veterans affairs, job creation and civil rights. Believe or not, I worked in the most productive Congress in our generation and was pivotal in helping craft proposed legislation. I worked in the Florida Supreme Court and Florida's Office of Policy and Budget. All of these experiences have prepared me to lead with passion, empathy and devotion!

What's your biggest achievement so far?

I have held many titles and opportunities for leadership. Some of those rewarding experiences have been business owner, executive, lead prosecutor, political staffer at the Senate House, campaign staff, staffing and assistant for the president. I am grateful for all of these eye-opening opportunities, but my No.1 accomplishment is being a family man of devotion. I am a son, husband and father of one baby son.

What would a successful term look like for you?

A successful term for me would look like the implementation of current policies, training programs, beginning the process of necessary reform for social justice change, annual data reports of excessive force from the Broward County Police Department and reforming the local bail system.

What is the most important issue facing your county at the moment?

Because we have had the same prosecuting technique for the past 45 years, there is more than one issue to be addressed. No. 1: diversity in staffing. No. 2: the need to set a new standard for excellence (the win-at-all-cost method has to end), and transparency from top, bottom and community.

Teresa Fanning-Williams

Fanning-Williams practices criminal defense at the Law Offices of Teresa Fanning-Williams in Fort Lauderdale. She has also served as a prosecutor and is a former division chief.

Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer Teresa Fanning-Williams. Courtesy photo.

Why are you running for this position?

This is the second time that I will run because I feel that our system is warped by politics and money.

What about your experience qualifies you for the position?

I have 25 years of experience as a lawyer. I worked 10 years as a prosecutor and ultimately became the division chief of the career criminal unit. I supervised over 150 lawyers, had three assistant chiefs, and was in charge of the statistical data base to monitor our progress and report to the state.

I have been a defense attorney for 14 years. I am one of a handful of women who has been successful as a private criminal defense attorney. I have a degree in the administration of criminal justice and I am the only candidate who is board certified in criminal trial. I have over 75 jury trials to verdict, including racketeering, murder, sexual battery, attempted murder, armed robbery, home invasion robbery and organized scheme to defraud cases. I supervised and have mentored many individuals in my career and look forward to training the lawyers at the Broward County State Attorney's Office.

What's your biggest achievement so far?

Being married for 30 years and successfully raising two young adults. But in my career, it is running against Mike Satz, the 40-year incumbent, and getting 48% of the vote.

What would a successful term look like for you?

I will need to successfully change the culture of the State Attorney's Office. Attorneys will use discretion and do what is right. People who are charged will be considered humans. People who are victims will be respected. This will take a lot of work and will require the experience level to gain the respect of those in the system who will resist change.

What is the most important issue facing your county at the moment?

Public corruption has destroyed this county. Those with money create the rules and systems to benefit themselves. We need a state attorney who is completely independent, who understands both sides of the system. I am that candidate.

Joe Kimok

Kimok is assistant regional counsel at the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel in Fort Lauderdale, and is a former prosecutor and English teacher.