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

Add Get The Coast on Google

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

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: July 24, 2026

“1:39; 5 attempts”

Respond

John McGranahan commented on SOCKS to fly 110 cats from Okaloosa to Maryland in partnership with national rescue groups

“Capn Obvious obviously did not read the article or has no clue what SOCKS is all about. As far as cats on the streets: PEOPLE are to blame. They move,...”

Tom commented on SOCKS to fly 110 cats from Okaloosa to Maryland in partnership with national rescue groups

“Um...did you read the story? Cat market? Trafficking? Organizations such as SOCKS are definitely not making any money. And as far as "cats all over the streets," all their cats...”

Jim McSwain commented on Niceville High School’s Julia Milz named Distinguished Young Woman of Okaloosa County for 2027

“Niceville Valparaiso Little League going to Wilson NC for the Tournament of State Champions. They won the state championship last weekend.”

Brandi Romero commented on Destin City Council directs staff to evaluate East Pass warning signage

“I am so happy they are doing something with signage at east pass AND need something maybe on the bridge people can read for crab island about that current! It...”

Debbie commented on Destin City Council directs staff to evaluate East Pass warning signage

“I never understood why the anyone wanted to draw people to the worst area for being in the water in Okaloosa county. Most of those going there won't pay attention...”

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: July 23, 2026

“2:08, 5 attempts”

Capn Obvious commented on SOCKS to fly 110 cats from Okaloosa to Maryland in partnership with national rescue groups

“There are cats all over the streets everywhere, more than anyone wants. It seems that these cat charities will do anything to resist the contraction of the cat market, even...”

Joseph Cashman commented on Okaloosa Commissioners set tentative millage rate, debate future of school resource officer funding

“The amount of money that the homeowners of our community is”

Hi commented on FWC honors five Okaloosa and Walton county landowners for wildlife conservation efforts

“Omg. The hills have eyes. The panhandle is Mississippi and Georgia”