Politics

Okaloosa qualifying period ends, setting 2026 election ballot

Okaloosa County's 2026 qualifying period closed June 12, locking in candidates for county commission, school board and city council races across Crestview, Destin and Fort Walton Beach.

Jared Williams

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The candidate qualifying period for Okaloosa County’s 2026 election cycle ended June 12, setting the field for races spanning the County Commission, School Board and city councils in Crestview, Destin and Fort Walton Beach.

The primary election is Aug. 18, with the general election Nov. 3.

School Board (Aug. 18 primary)

Florida school board races are nonpartisan, and a candidate who wins a majority in the primary is elected outright.

District 1:

Jerry Buckman
JD Peacock

District 3:

Linda Evanchyk
Mitch Reed

District 5:

Brett Hinely
Cynthia West

County Commission

District 2:

Carolyn Ketchel (REP) — unopposed

District 4:

Trey Goodwin (REP) — unopposed

Crestview City Council (Nov. 3 general)

Precinct 1:

Darice “Dusty” Allison
Frederick Jackson Butts III

Precinct 2:

Sylvester Echols
April Rencich
Louis Rodriquez

Precinct 3:

Douglas Capps — unopposed

Destin (Nov. 3 general)

Mayor:

Bobby Wagner — unopposed

City Council:

Rodney Braden
Ross Haynes
Chatham Morgan
John Stephens

Fort Walton Beach City Council (Nov. 3 general)

Eleven candidates qualified for four open seats.

Brandon Bishop
Schuyler Black
Steve Caldarelli
Tyler Capelotti
Gloria DeBerry
Denise Dierker
Glen Guarin
MG Moran
Jeffrey Pendleton
Matthew Turpin
Payne Walker

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