Following that, he attended the Florida State University College of Law, receiving his juris doctor in 1977.

Wood won the Republican primary unopposed and faced Bob Hagenmaier, the Democratic nominee in the general election.

Wood was reluctantly endorsed by The Ledger, which noted that despite his unremarkable voting record, he "has the better overview of the legislative landscape.

"[4] In stark contrast to his narrow win two years prior, Wood defeated Davis comfortably with 67% of the vote.

Wood then advanced to the general election, where he faced Karen Cooper Welzel, the Democratic nominee.