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Incumbents sweep Okaloosa County on Tuesday’s election night

Okaloosa incumbents dominated during Tuesday night’s primary election. District 2 Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel faced off against challengers Matt Turpin and CareySue Beasley. In the end, Ketchel secured the victory with 48% of […]

Okaloosa incumbents dominated during Tuesday night’s primary election.

District 2 Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel faced off against challengers Matt Turpin and CareySue Beasley. In the end, Ketchel secured the victory with 48% of the votes.

  • Ketchel – 18,810
  • Turpin – 14,127
  • Beasley – 6,220

All of the Okaloosa School Board incumbents claimed a win in the District 1, 3 & 5 races. These were probably the most anticipated races in this year’s Primary for Okaloosa County.

District 1:

  • Linda Evanchyk – 23,823
  • Darrel Barnhill – 14,814

District 3:

  • Dr. Lamar White – 20,187
  • Jerry Buckman – 18,580

District 5:

  • Dr. Diane Kelley – 25,280
  • Cara Marion – 13,220

Other wins across the area include Congressman Matt Gaetz with nearly 70% of the votes, Doug BroxsonJay Trumbull, and Joel Rudman.

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Community Comments

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: July 16, 2026
“0:39, 4 attempts”
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“Isnt this a one PERCENT sales tax? Seems that a one cent sales tax means one cent on each sale... only a penny. One percent is 1/100 of the total...”
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“I went back and looked for settings and see there is a way to change the background color. I commented too soon.”
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“When the background color of the picture in the jigsaw puzzle is exactly the same color as the background of the playing field it makes it practically impossible to see...”
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“A VAT. What a concept. Then you're only taxed if you spend money. What a great idea!”
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“I’m so sorry the system is failing the ones who need it most. Contact your local senator asap and tell them your situation and all the places you’ve contacted. Also...”
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“In 7 years, the assessed value of my own home has nearly doubled. They are making more money even if mil rate stays same or decreases .05 as it is...”
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“What about their own healthcare center that is being paid for by tax dollars? The new one beside Okaloosa Tech center off Lewis Turner Blvd.”
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“I would love to see all the power and other lines off Scenic Gulf Drive! They are so ugly and intrusive to the view of sunsets, the beach, etc. but...”
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