In 2000, following the inability of State Representative Bill Posey to seek re-election due to term limits, Altman ran to succeed him in the 32nd District, which stretched from Orlando to Vero Beach in Brevard, Indian River, and Orange Counties.
Following the death of State Senator Howard Futch in 2003, State Representative Mike Haridopolos ran in a special election to succeed him, resigning his House seat in the process.