When Florida was granted statehood in 1845, its first member of the U. S. House of Representatives was Edward C. Cabell, but he served less than four months.

Cabell, a member of the Whig party, took his seat on October 6, 1845. His Democratic opponent, William H. Brockenbrough, was able to successfully contest Cabell's election, forcing Cabell to step down as Florida's Congressman on January 24, 1846.

In the subsequent Congressional election, Cabell ran against Brockenbrough and won back his seat. He was elected twice more, but was defeated in the 1852 election.