Incumbent E. Clay Shaw Jr. received a primary challenger – Pompano Beach business execute John Stahl. During the primary, Stahl described himself as a "productive-class taxpayer" and labeled Shaw a "career politician". Shaw responded by saying, "I understand business, running a business and my voting record is proof of that." Stahl also accused Shaw of abusing his congressional franking privilege; a report from the National Taxpayers Union indicated that Shaw spent $240,000 for mailings in 1993. Additionally, Stahl vowed to cut his salary to $100,000 if elected. By July 15, 1994, Shaw's campaign contributions totaled $283,390, while Stahl raised only $900. Nevertheless, Shaw defeated Stahl in the primary elected by a vote of 24,252 to 6,925 (77.8%-22.2%).