Politics

Cynthia West moves campaign to District 5, will face Hinely for Okaloosa School Board seat

Cynthia West has moved her Okaloosa County School Board campaign to District 5, where she will face incumbent Brett Hinely in the fall election.

Jared Williams

Cynthia West has shifted her Okaloosa County School Board campaign, announcing Friday she is now running for the District 5 seat.

West cited her family’s ties to the Niceville community and concerns about school board leadership. She originally announced her bid for District 3 in December before shifting to District 1 in January.

“Our schools are facing serious challenges from student safety and bullying concerns to questions about transparency and long-term planning,” West said in a press release. “Families are asking for answers, and too often they are not getting them. We need a school board that listens, responds, and leads.”

West said the issues facing the district reflect a system-wide need for stronger leadership and accountability.

“This is bigger than any one seat,” West said. “It is about whether we have a school board willing to do the hard work and make the tough decisions our students deserve. Right now, that leadership is not where it needs to be.”

West’s campaign focuses on three priorities: improving student safety, restoring transparency and ensuring responsible long-term fiscal management.

“We do not need more of the same,” West said. “We need leadership that shows up, pays attention, and actually gets the job done for students and families.”

The District 5 seat is currently held by School Board Member Brett Hinely, who announced earlier this month that he would seek election to the seat. Hinely, a Niceville resident and president of Cove Marine, Inc., was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in August 2024 to fill a vacancy left by Dr. Diane Kelley after she became principal of Destin High School.

Three of the board’s five seats are up for election this year, with all three now contested.

In the District 3 race, Chair Linda Evanchyk is seeking a third term and faces U.S. Army veteran Mitch Reed, who announced his bid in August.

In District 1, current Board Member Dr. Lamar White will not seek re-election. Former Okaloosa County Clerk of Courts JD Peacock and retired Air Force Col. Jerry Buckman have announced candidacies for the seat.