OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — Three Okaloosa County Commission races were decided in the August 20, 2024, Primary Election, though a recount is likely in the District 3 race.
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The winners of these races will serve four-year terms, representing various districts within the county, including parts of Niceville.
In District 1, incumbent Paul Mixon was reelected with a commanding 74.06% of the vote. His challenger, De’Carlo Garcia, received 25.94%.
The District 3 race, which includes parts of Niceville, appears to have been won by Sherri Cox, who holds a narrow 13-vote lead over Keri Pitzer. Ms Cox received 7,597 votes (23.55%), while Ms Pitzer garnered 7,584 (23.51%). Due to the razor-thin margin, a recount is likely. Incumbent Nathan Boyles did not seek reelection.
Other candidates in the District 3 race were Andrew Rencich, who received 7,371 votes (22.85%), Heath Rominger with 5,206 votes (16.14%), and Wade A. Merritt with 4,500 votes (13.95%).
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In District 5, which also covers parts of Niceville, Drew Palmer narrowly defeated Mary Anne Windes with 51.29% of the vote (16,673 votes) compared to Windes’ 48.71% (15,834 votes). Incumbent Mel Ponder did not seek reelection.
All three races were universal primaries, open to all registered voters regardless of party affiliation, though all candidates were registered Republicans.
