SPECIAL ELECTION RESULTS: Jacksonville City Council seat will head to runoff

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — UPDATE | Dec. 7

The majority of votes are in following Tuesday’s special citywide election to fill a City Council seat with no immediate winner. —

Four candidates, two Republicans and two Democrats, fought to fill the remaining term on the At-Large Group 3 seat that has been empty since the passing of longtime Councilman Tommy Hazourui in September.

Democrat Dr. Tracye Polson and Republican Nick Howland received the majority of their party’s votes but failed to meet the required threshold of 50 percent + 1 of the total votes. The two candidates will now face off in a run-off election on Feb. 22.

Neither Polson nor Howland has held public office.

Polson is a licensed clinical social worker, and mother. She told Action News Jax she intends to combat crime in the city by expanding the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Co-Responder program to ensure mental health professionals go along with officers on mental health calls. Polson also serves on the Board of Directors of Agape Family Health Center.

Howland is a Navy veteran and father of two who says his first priority is supporting public safety. He says he plans to bring more jobs to Jacksonville. In an interview last week, Howland said, “We need to expand our targeted industries to more logistics and manufacturing for middle-class jobs.”

In response to Democratic candidate Tracye Polson advancing to the Special Election Runoff for City Council At-Large Group 3, Daniel Henry, Duval County Democratic Party Chairman, released the following statement:

“We’re excited that Tracye Polson is heading into the February runoff election and are confident that Duval County voters will elect her to City Council. Tracye is a dedicated community advocate and is committed to building on the legacy of the late Tommy Hazouri. While he is no longer with us, we will honor his legacy by electing a Democratic successor that will fight to secure the positive change he long sought to see.”

In a press release, Republican Party of Duval County Chairman Dean Black responded to the results, saying:

“The Republican Party is united and ready for the real contest.”

For more information on the special election, visit www.duvalelections.gov.

ORIGINAL STORY | Dec. 7 · 7:47 a.m.

Polls opened at 7 a.m. Tuesday in Duval County for a special election that has been called to fill the seat of the late and former councilman Tommy Hazouri.

Two Democrats and two Republicans are running for the at-large, Group 3 position:

• James C. “Coach” Jacobs (DEM)
• Tracey A. Polson (DEM)
• Nick Howland (REP)
• Howland “Howdy” Russell (REP)

>>> Action News Jax previously spoke to the candidates about their plans for the Confederate monuments across the city as well as their plans to fight crime. See their responses here or watch below:

Jacksonville residents have until 7 p.m. to cast their vote.

The Supervisor of Elections Office is reminding voters to check their voter information card before coming out. The card will show voters their precinct number and polling place.

Officials said voters will also need to present a current and valid photo ID along with a signature ID. The voter information card can not be used as an ID when voting.

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