The candidates are qualified!
And the Commissioner and School Board races have shifted with some surprises. The biggest shift this year is that the 2026 elections for Board of County Commissioners are Universal Open Primaries. What does that mean? Because all candidates who qualified for these races are members of the same political party and there are no write-in candidates, Florida election law requires these races to be conducted as Universal Open Primaries, allowing all registered voters to participate regardless of party affiliation.
For the first time in recent history, all registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, will be able to vote in the Primary for Commissioner. In the past, voters who had registered as NPA, Democrat, or one of the minor parties had no voice in the Commissioner votes.
That means this year more voters will have a direct voice in selecting County Commissioners than in past election cycles. Whether that translates into higher turnout remains to be seen, but it certainly creates an opportunity for broader participation in local government. Previously, many voters just stayed home as the Commissioner’s race was the most critical vote for the County in the Primary. This year, having more non-Republican registered voters show up at the polls could impact the down ballot votes for School Board and special districts, as well. This will be an exciting year for all St. Johns County voters!
As of the close of qualifying, here is what the ballot currently looks like for St. Johns County voters.
Commissioner Races:
Commissioner, District 2
As anticipated, incumbent Commissioner Sarah Arnold did not file to run. In a surprise move, a 4th candidate entered the race just 5 days before qualifying, and qualified.
Candidates for District 2 are:
Heather Brofford – FB page: Heather Brofford for St. Johns County Commissioner District 2 Website: HeatherBrofford.com
Tim Burres – FB Page Vote Tim Burres for SJC Commissioner Website: https://votetimburres.com/ (still not active)
Wilson McMullan – FB: Will McMullan for County Commissioner District 2 Website: wmcmullan.com
Martin Pyszczymuka – FB: VoteMartinForCountyCommissioner Website: https://www.votemartin2026.com
Commissioner, District 4
In a last minute surprise, Heather Neville withdrew from the race and threw her support behind Candidate Sam Williams.
Candidates for District 4 are:
James Galloway – FB: James Galloway Website: https://jamesgalloway.com
Krista Joseph – FB: KristaKeatingJoseph Website: VoteKrista.com
Sam Williams – FB: Williams for St. Johns County Commissioner Website: samforstjohns.com
School Board Races
District 1 – one candidate failed to qualify so it is a 2 person race between Kevin Allen and Bev Slough
Kevin Allen – FB page: Kevin Allen FB Page Website Kevin Allen website
Beverly Slough – FB page: Bev Slough for School Board Website: vote4bev.wixsite.com
District 3 – Jennifer Collins was unopposed so by default she will retain her seat
District 4
Leif Jonassen III – FB: Leif Jonassen FB Page Website Leif Jonassen Website
Tammie McClafferty – FB: Tammie McClafferty for School Board District 4 Website: Tammie McClafferty website
Jillian Tozer – Website: Jillian Tozer Website
As you listen to candidates and learn about their platforms this year, I encourage you to hear from them directly. Attend a town hall. Ask questions. Visit their websites. Follow their social media pages.
Too often, voters learn about candidates through attack ads, social media rumors, or secondhand commentary. This year, let’s make an effort to evaluate candidates based on their own words, ideas, and vision for St. Johns County.
Let’s learn what a candidate stands FOR, not simply what they oppose.
Let’s learn how a candidate intends to move our county forward, not just how they plan to stop someone else.
Most importantly, let’s remember that public service requires courage. Every candidate on this ballot has stepped forward, completed the qualification process, and offered themselves for public scrutiny and voter consideration. Regardless of who earns your vote, that commitment deserves a measure of respect.
Behind every candidate are family members, friends, neighbors, and supporters who care deeply about them. Let’s have spirited debates, ask tough questions, and engage thoughtfully—but let’s also be kind to one another.
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Beth Tate 