No Neptune Beach seats will appear on the 2026 ballot. Both City Council races are now uncontested after Neptune Beach Council Member Nia Livingston withdrew her candidacy last week, leaving Shellie Thole unopposed in the Seat 5 City Council race.
"After much reflection and consideration, I will be withdrawing my name for city council seat 5," Livingston said in a June 26 email to City Clerk Catherine Ponson.
Jerry Wetzel ran unopposed for Seat 4, which is being vacated by term-limited Council Member Josh Messinger.
In Atlantic Beach, Dr. Nancy Staats announced her candidacy for mayor against incumbent Curtis Ford.
Lisa Herrold and Jennifer Lagner are vying for City Commission Seat 4. Michael Kulik also withdrew from the race on May 26. Incumbent Jessica Ring was elected to serve a second term in Seat 5.
Former City Council Member Art Graham returns to the dais in Jacksonville Beach, filling District 2, Seat 6, which will be vacated by Sandy Golding. Bill Horn and John Wagner were both reelected. Horn will continue to serve District 2, Seat 5, with Wagner filling District 1, Seat 4.
Qualifying ended June 19 in Duval County. Candidates who qualified to run for local offices can be found on the Active Candidates and Committees page at duvalelections.gov/Active-Candidates-Committees.
The deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation for the Primary Election is July 20. Online voter registration is available at duvalelections.gov.
