In 1996, incumbent State Senator Peter Weinstein declined to seek re-election to instead unsuccessfully run for Congress. Campbell ran to succeed him in the 33rd District, which included northwestern Broward County. He faced State Representative Steven Feren in the Democratic primary. Both Campbell and Feren campaigned in support of funding for public education, crime prevention, and property insurance reform. Campbell attacked Feren for living outside of the Senate district, for few legislative accomplishments in the Florida House, and for his close relationship with "special-interest groups." Feren, meanwhile, criticized Campbell for being out of touch due to his personal wealth and for using "distortions and mistruths and outright lies" against him. During the campaign, Campbell was endorsed by the "Sun-Sentinel", which praised his "penchant for leadership" and his "potential to emerge as one of the state's leading legislators," though they praised Feren for being "a responsible public servant." Ultimately, Campbell defeated Feren comfortably, winning 59% of the vote to Feren's 41%.