Multiple races from 2018's Election in Florida will be decided by a recount, including the race for a U.S. Senate seat and the state's governor race. Overseeing that process will be Secretary of State Ken Detzner. Here's three things to know about him:

A former Democrat and later, beer lobbyist

Born in Chicago, Detzner graduated from Florida State University in 1975. He worked for James Smith in the 1980s when he was state Attorney General and during his run for governor. In the mid-80s, Detzer also changed his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican.

He spent 13 years lobbying for the Florida Beer Wholesalers Association as their executive director before taking government office.

He returned to work with Smith as chief of staff to the Florida Secretary of State in 2002. Detzner served as the interim Secretary of State between Smith's election to Congress and governor House of Representatives and Governor Jeb Bush's appointment of Glenda Hood in 2003.

He was appointed to the position in 2012 by Governor Rick Scott following the resignation of Kurt S. Browning.

On Russian election interference

Sen. Bill Nelson, who's next term could be decided by a recount, warned of hacking into state elections by the Russians in the summer of 2018. Nelson's claim was made in a letter co-signed by Republican Senator Marco Rubio and sent to county election supervisors.

For Detzner's part, he has repeatedly said he's seen no evidence of hacking in the state’s systems in either the 2016 or 2018 elections. He, like Gov. Rick Scott, requested more information from Nelson.

“If you have specific information on a confirmed intrusion of any of Florida’s voting system or databases at the state or county level, we urgently need you to disclose that information to us so we can take action,” Detzner wrote.

During a campaign appearance in August, Nelson maintained his concern but didn't provide evidence.

"The Russians are in Florida's records," Nelson said.

A reporter followed up by asking, "Do you know which records the Russians are accessing?"

Nelson replied, "That’s classified."

An August report by the Tallahassee Democrat, sighting leaked documents, showed steps Russia took to influence the presidential election the state.

'Poked and prodded':How the Russians nearly hacked the 2016 Florida election

Voter data request

Donald Trump suggested widespread voter fraud in the 2016 election despite his victory. The president's allegations led to a voter commision being created. In 2017, the commision requested for states to provide voter data, including names, party affiliations, voting records, and more.

Several states with both Republican and Democratic state leadership refused the request, but Detzner decided to come halfway. He said the state would provide information that was already public.

Driver's license and social security numbers were not provided. In response to critics, Detzner praised his department's handling of the 2016 elections.

“In fact, in 2016, we are proud that Florida had record turnout and a smooth, secure election which reflected the will of the people of Florida,” Detzner said.

Nate Chute is a producer with the USA Today Network. Follow him on Twitter at @nchute.

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