ELECTION RESULTS
By WILLIAM SNOWDEN Editor
The election turned out as many had predicted: Republican Fred Nichols beat Democrat John Quinton, and Republican Quincee Messersmith beat Democrat Sam McGrew for the district 2 and 4 county commission seats; Brian Miller was elected county judge over Eddie Evans; and Eddie Hand won the school board seat over Dod Walker.
On the question of whether the county could extend property tax breaks for another 10 years as a economic development tool, local voters said no.
But they did, by a narrow margin, 52% support the school board’s half-cent sales tax.
REACTIONS
Fred Nichols won by a wide margin, with more than 66% of the votes cast. “I am overwhelmed by the support I have received!” Nichols responded in a text. “I would like to thank my family, friends and community. I look forward to serving the citizens of Wakulla.”
John Quinton texted a statement that said he was thankful for the opportunity to run in the election. “The best part was all the new and wonderful people I met along the way. Thank you for sharing your concerns about rapid growth and threats to our water quality and unique way of life. Congratulations to Fred Nichols. I wish him the best as our commissioner.”
Quincee Messersmith said simply, “Thank you, Wakulla. Kindness always wins. I look forward to the next four years.”
Sam McGrew said he was at a loss for words. “At the end of the day I want to thank all the voters – and thank those who voted for me.” The write-in Patricia Dyszer may have received as many as 36 votes or .26% of the votes cast in the race. She spent no money.
The race for county judge had come down to a runoff between Brian Miller and Eddie Evans after neither had a 50%-plus-one in the August primary with a third candidate.
Brian Miller, who won the race handily, could not be reached for comment on election night. Eddie Evans said he had called Miller to congratulate him. “I think he’ll do a great job,” he said. He added that he appreciated the help and support from people, and all those who voted for him.
In the school board race, Eddie Hand said, “I think the voters spoke loud and clear – they want change and that’s what I campaigned on. I support Gov. DeSantis’ agenda.” He thanked Dod Walker for running a clean race.
Dod Walker responded: “I did my best. I wish the best for Mr. Hand and I know he’ll do a great job.”
CITY ELECTIONS
In the Sopchoppy city race, the top two vote-getters in the four person field are winners, and that means incumbents Fred McClendon and Lara Edwards are returned to office over Corey “DJ Butch” Benedict and Thomas E. Porter II.
In St. Marks there were three races for seats:
• Dan Albers won by two votes over incumbent Richard Chichetti for Seat 1.
• Paula Bell won over Joe Crousore for Seat 4.
• Ryder Rudd beat Murray Stokes for Seat 5.
TURNOUT
Overall, there was a 63.5% turnout for the election.
Supervisor of Elections Joe Morgan reported no major issues with the election. “I’m thankful to the voters of Wakulla County for showing up and showing out for the last 10 days of early voting,” he said.
Of the just over 15,000 local votes cast in the election, some 6,500 were cast on election day; another 5,000 were cast during early voting; and 3,400 were vote by mail.
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