Dave BermanFlorida Today
Brevard County voters will have lots to consider for the Aug. 20 primary and the Nov. 5 general election.
That includes races for one Florida Senate seat and five Florida House seats; three countywide elections; three Brevard County Commission elections; two Brevard School Board races; three judicial races; and various municipal candidateelections and referendum items.
Some incumbents cannot run for reelection because of term limits, so they are seeking other elected positions.
Check out the stories below to read about candidates and races, and to learn everything you need to know about casting your ballot.
This election and candidate guide will be updated regularly with addition stories as they are published.
OVERVIEW OF ELECTIONS
Candidates enter races early: Here's why Brevard candidates for 2024 election have already entered their races
Key races on ballot: 2024 Elections: Brevard is having a big election year. Here are the races to watch.
Some elections go uncontested: Countywide, multicounty races, two Port Authority seats decided without opposition
PRIMER ON VOTING
Details on primary: Deadline is Monday to register to vote, change party registration for Aug. 20 primary
Rule change for voting by mail: State law now requires voters to request vote-by-mail ballot every election cycle
What to know about early voting: Early in-person voting for primary elections begins Saturday at 10 sites in Brevard
POLITICAL PARTY TRENDS
Democrats seeking comeback: Brevard County Democrats hope for resurgence with Harris as presidential nominee
GOP straw poll results: Some surprises result from Republican straw poll at event that had record attendance
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 8
Incumbent U.S. Rep. Bill Posey opted not to run for reelection this year.
Posey decides against running again: Eight-termer Posey won't seek reelection to Congress. Haridopolos among five seeking seat
Trump endorses Haridopolos: Haridopolos picks up Trump endorsem*nt in Republican primary for Congress in 8th District
Posey discusses decision to retire: Congressman Bill Posey on upcoming retirement: 'I just want to finish strong'
Governor weighs in: DeSantis endorses Haridopolos in Republican primary for Congress in Brevard, Indian River
FLORIDA LEGISLATURE RACE OVERVIEW
House candidate qualifying: Who qualified to run as your next representative of Brevard County in the Florida House?
FLORIDA SENATE DISTRICT 19
This election is for the seat now held by Debbie Mayfield, who could not run for reelection because of term limits, and instead is running this year for the Florida House District 32 seat.
Fine to seek seat in Senate: Rep. Randy Fine announces 2024 run for Florida Senate
Sirois decides against Senate run Sirois to run for reelection to Florida House, rather than seek Senate seat
Thomas decides against running Tim Thomas says he is not running for State Senate, a day after filing candidate paperwork
Trump endorsem*nt for Fine: Randy Fine picks up Trump endorsem*nt after breaking with DeSantis
FLORIDA HOUSE DISTRICT 31
Incumbent Tyler Sirois is seeking reelection.
Sirois seeks reelection in House: Sirois to run for reelection to Florida House, rather than seek Senate seat
FLORIDA HOUSE DISTRICT 32
This election is for the seat now held by Thad Altman, who could not run for reelection because of term limits, and instead is running this year for the Brevard County Commission District 5 seat.
Weldon seeks return of political office: Former Republican congressman Weldon to run for Florida House seat
Mayfield joins House race: State Sen. Mayfield to run against former U.S. Rep. Weldon for open Florida House seat
Term limit support: Debbie Mayfield latest politician to pledge support for term limits
Republican primary overview: Term limits, insurance converge for Mayfield, Weldon in Florida House District 32 primary
FLORIDA HOUSE DISTRICT 33
This election is for the seat now held by Randy Fine, who could not run for reelection because of term limits, and instead is running this year for the Florida Senate District 19 seat.
Luse seeks District 33 seat: Second Palm Bay Republican enters race for Florida House District 33 seat
Miller joins District 33 race: Monique Miller files to succeed Fine in South Brevard's Florida House District 33
Orriss among candidates: Two more enter race for South Brevard House seat currently held by Randy Fine
Langevin enters House race: Palm Bay Republican becomes first candidate to file for Randy Fine's seat in 2024 Florida House race
Langevin opts not to run: Republican Chandler Langevin drops out and endorses Monique Miller in House District 33
Democratic candidates emerge: Two more Democrats file for Randy Fine's District 33 Florida House seat in South Brevard
Second try for Yantz: Democrat Anthony Yantz of Palm Bay to again run for Florida House District 33
Republican primary overview: Four Republicans seek to fill Randy Fine's District 33 seat in Florida House
Democratic primary overview: Anderson, Yantz running in Democratic primary for Florida House District 33 seat
BREVARD COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS
Tim Bobanic, the current supervisor of elections, is running to retain his seat. He was appointed to the seat by Gov. Ron DeSantis after the resignation of former Supervisor of Elections Lori Scott.
Term-limited Tobia enters race: County Commissioner Tobia running for Brevard supervisor of elections in 2024
Tobia qualifies vs. incumbent: Term-limited Brevard commissioners seek countywide office; sheriff faces write-in candidate
Write-in candidate emerges: Connections between candidates in key Brevard races raise election manipulation concerns
Tobia probe completed without charges: No charges filed against County Commissioner Tobia, despite wide-ranging allegations
Suit over election paperwork: Brevard elections chief sued over claims of mishandling paperwork, candidates
FLORIDA TODAY endorsem*nt: Editorial Board: Here's our endorsem*nt for Brevard County Supervisor of Elections
Video interview with Bobanic: Bobanic wins FLORIDA TODAY endorsem*nt for Brevard Supervisor of Elections
BREVARD COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR
Incumbent Lisa Cullen is seeking reelection.
Pritchett enters race: County Commissioner Rita Pritchett to run against incumbent Lisa Cullen for tax collector
Pritchett qualifies vs. incumbent: Term-limited Brevard commissioners seek countywide office; sheriff faces write-in candidate
Write-in candidate emerges: Connections between candidates in key Brevard races raise election manipulation concerns
GOP primary matchup: County Commissioner Pritchett challenges longtime Brevard Tax Collector Cullen in primary
BREVARD COUNTY SHERIFF
Incumbent Wayne Ivey is seeking reelection against a write-in candidate.
Former deputy to run against sheriff: Ex-Brevard deputy who was shot in line of duty to challenge Sheriff Ivey in GOP primary
Concerns of Ivey's challenger: Former deputy says Sheriff Ivey treated him poorly after shooting. Now he wants the job
Write-in candidate challenges Ivey: Term-limited Brevard commissioners seek countywide office; sheriff faces write-in candidate
BREVARD COUNTY COMMISSION OVERVIEW
Who qualified for commission race: Term limits lead to lively races for Brevard County Commission as politicians scramble
BREVARD COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 1
This election is for the seat now held by Rita Pritchett, who could not run for reelection because of term limits, and instead is running this year for the Brevard County tax collector.
Delaney enters race: Conservative former Moms for Liberty member announces run for Brevard County Commission
Titusville mayor becomes candidate: Titusville mayor Dan Diesel joins crowded race for Brevard County Commission District 1 seat
Jordan among District 1 contenders: Robert Jordan announces District 1 County Commission candidacy for North Brevard
Seigler enters race as Republican: Community activist Seigler is first official 2024 candidate for Brevard County Commission
Bobbitt is Democratic candidate: KBB's Bryan Bobbitt files to run as Democrat for District 1 County Commission seat
Republican primary: Four candidates face off in Republican primary for Brevard County Commission District 1
BREVARD COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 3
This election is for the seat now held by John Tobia, who could not run for reelection because of term limits, and instead is running this year for the Brevard County supervisor of elections.
Adkinson to seek commission seat: Republican state committeewoman files to run for Brevard County Commission
Council member seeks commission seat: West Melbourne Councilman John Dittmore files for County Commission seat
Melbourne councilwoman joins race: Democrat and Melbourne councilwoman Yvonne Minus files to run for County Commission District 3
BREVARD COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 5
This election is for the seat now held by Jason Steele, who is not running this year to retain his seat. He was appointed to the seat by Gov. Ron DeSantis after the resignation of former District 5 Commissioner Zonka.
Taranto running in District 5: Taranto to run for Brevard County Commission in South Brevard's District 5 in 2024 race
Altman seeks County Commission seat: Republicans Thad Altman and Dave Neuman file for 2024 Brevard County Commission race
Workman join race: Term limits lead to lively races for Brevard County Commission as politicians scramble
Candidate Neuman leaves race: Brevard County commission candidate David Neuman withdraws to run for Melbourne council
BREVARD SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 3
Incumbent Jennifer Jenkins is not seeking reelection, after redistricting of Brevard School Board districts put her residence out of her district.
Impact of redistricting: Is redistricting a political move? New lines make 2 school board members lose incumbency
Yantz enters race: Second candidate files to run for Brevard school board in District 3
Which candidates qualified: Qualifying period ends: These are the candidates for Brevard's School Board
Primary overview: Amber Yantz and John Thomas to face off in August for D3 seat on Brevard's school board
What candidates said at forum: God, guns and grades: Brevard school board candidates discuss issues pre-August primary
FLORIDA TODAY endorsem*nt: Our endorsem*nt for Brevard County school board district 3
Video of candidates at Editorial Board: Editorial board meets with candidates for Brevard School Board Disrict 3
BREVARD SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 4
Incumbent Matt Susin is seeking reelection.
Graduating senior seeks seat: 'The youngest I've ever seen': Viera High School student, 18, announces school board run
Schachter enters District 4 race 'I want to see our schools succeed': Former teacher files to run for Brevard school board
Taylor becomes candidate: Mother of Viera High hazing incident victim files to run for Brevard School Board
Which candidates qualified: Qualifying period ends: These are the candidates for Brevard's School Board
Primary overview: Four candidates vie for District 4 seat on Brevard's school board: Here's what to know
What candidates said at forum: God, guns and grades: Brevard school board candidates discuss issues pre-August primary
Public records suit involves Susin: Deposition alleges withholding of public records in lawsuit involving School Board members
FLORIDA TODAY endorsem*nt: Our endorsem*nt for Brevard County School Board district 4
Video of candidates at Editorial Board: Editorial Board meets with candidates for Brevard School Board District 4
JUDICIAL RACES
There are three contested judicial elections this year on the primary ballot — Circuit Court Group 17, and County Court Groups 6 and 10. None of the incumbents in these races is seeking reelection.
Unopposed judicial races: Most Brevard County judicial races already wrapped up
What candidates said at forum: Judicial candidate forum offers rare insight into new crop of Brevard judge candidates
PALM BAY MAYOR
Incumbent Mayor Rob Medina is seeking reelection.
Four candidates want to be mayor: Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina faces three challengers in a city facing issue of urban sprawl
PALM BAY CITY COUNCIL SEAT 2
Incumbent Donny Felix is seeking reelection.
Three candidates seek Seat 2 position: Incumbent Felix faces two challengers for Palm Bay City Council Seat 2 position
PALM BAY CITY COUNCIL SEAT 3
Incumbent Randy Foster resigned, and the seat now is vacant.
Convicted murderer on ballot: Voting status of Palm Bay candidate convicted of murder is under review, Bobanic says
Incumbent Foster resigns: Foster resigns from Palm Bay City Council for health reasons, creating second vacancy
Six candidates seek council seat: Past crimes takes center stage in Palm Bay City Council Seat 3 race
TITUSVILLE MAYOR
Incumbent Dan Diesel is running for the Brevard County Commission District 1 seat. The three candidates seeking to succeed him are Vickie Conklin, Andrew David Connors and Joe Robinson.
PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY
Trump had no active primary opponents: Florida GOP presidential primary goes on, even with Trump clinching, no others in race
Seven GOP candidates on ballot: With no competition to Trump, six other candidates remain on Florida GOP primary ballot
GOP presidential primary results: Trump wins overwhelming majority in Brevard against six former candidates still on ballot
Voter turnout low: Florida election: What to know about low voter turnout in Tuesday's presidential primary
FLORIDA AMENDMENT 2
This amendment would add the right to hunt and fish to Florida’s Constitution. It would need 60% support for passage.
Pros and cons of amendment: Would Florida Amendment 2 ensure fishing and hunting rights, or lead to 'overkill?'
FLORIDA AMENDMENT 3
This amendment would legalize the use of marijuana for persons at least age 21. It would need 60% support for passage.
Proposals around the country: 5 states including Florida could see recreational marijuana legalized in 2024. Here's where
What could the rules be: Recreational vs medical marijuana: If weed is legal, will we need medical marijuana cards?
What the measure would do: Recreational marijuana amendment vote coming in 2024. When will weed be legal in Florida?
Q&A on proposal: What is Florida Amendment 3? What to know about recreational marijuana in Florida
Where marijuana now is legal: Florida may become 25th state where recreational marijuana is legal. Here’s where it’s legal
Gov. DeSantis' opposition: DeSantis said Florida will have a 'big problem' with weed smell if marijuana law passes
Attorney John Morgan's view: Why does John Morgan want weed to be legal in Florida? What to know about the TV attorney
Historic context: Florida marijuana laws: What to know about the state's history of legalization attempts
What's next if it passes: If Florida passes a recreational marijuana law in 2024, will weed immediately be legal?
FLORIDA AMENDMENT 4
This amendment would allow abortions in the time frame before "viability" of the fetus. It would need 60% support for passage.
Details on Supreme Court action: Florida Amendment 4 and abortion referendum. What to know as Supreme Court decision ahead
BREVARD TAX ABATEMENT REFERENDUM
This referendum deals with Brevard County properly tax breaks for expanding business.
Commissioners to consider proposal: Proposal would put extension of Brevard economic development tax break program on ballot
Commissioners delay action: County Commission delays vote on having referendum to extend business property tax breaks
Proposal to go to Nov. 5 ballot: Voters to decide on extending Brevard County's tax break program for expanding businesses
BREVARD LAGOON SALES TAX REFERENDUM
This referendum deals with extending Brevard County's half-cent sales tax for projects that benefit the Indian River Lagoon. Brevard County Commission voted against putting this measure on the Nov. 5 ballot, but it could be in the ballot in 2026.
Proposal to County Commission: Brevard commission to consider asking voters to renew Indian River Lagoon sales tax
Commissioners reject vote in November: Brevard commissioners decide not to send Indian River Lagoon half-cent sales tax to a vote this year citing election timing
REPUBLICAN STATE COMMITTEEMAN, COMMITTEEWOMAN
On the Aug. 20 primary ballot for Republican voters are contested races for Brevard County Republican state committeeman and state committeewoman.
These are internal party positions with a four-year term and no salary.
Among their roles, they act as a liaison between the State Executive Committee and the CountyExecutive Committee; elect a congressional district chairman who is entitled to vote on the StateExecutive Board; and serve as at-large members of the County Executive Committee.
The position is the equivalent of being a Brevard County delegate the state Republican Committee.
There are four candidates for state committeeman: Edward Brankey, Randy Fine, Greg Loyd and Wayne Twiddy.
There are six candidates for state committeewoman: Marcie Adkins, Mary Benton, Natalie Brankey, Karen L. Colby, Marie Rogerson and Gloria Rossi.
Dave Berman is business editor atFLORIDA TODAY.Contact Berman atdberman@floridatoday.com, on X at@bydavebermanand on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/dave.berman.54
