Brevard County voters will have a lengthy ballot for the Nov. 5 general election.
There will be a wide range of contested elections, including for the presidency, a U.S. Senate seat and a U.S. House of Representatives seat.
Within parts of Brevard, there are races for one Florida Senate seat, five Florida House seats, three Brevard County Commission seats, one Brevard School Board seat, a County Court judge race, and mayor and city or town council seats in 11 municipalities.
There also are six statewide constitutional amendments on the ballot, as well as two countywide amendments or referendums, plus municipal amendments or referendums in eight cities or towns.
Some incumbents cannot run for reelection because of term limits, so they are seeking other elected positions.
Check out the stories below to read about candidates and races, and to learn everything you need to know about casting your ballot.
This election and candidate guide will be updated regularly with additional stories as they are published.
Link to earlier election stories:Previous stories on 2024 elections, candidates, issues in Brevard County
OVERVIEW OF ELECTIONS
Some elections go uncontested:Countywide, multicounty races, two Port Authority seats decided without opposition
PRIMER ON VOTING
Rule change for voting by mail:State law now requires voters to request vote-by-mail ballot every election cycle
What to know about early voting:Early in-person voting begins Oct. 21 at 10 sites throughout Brevard for Nov. 5 election
POLITICAL PARTY TRENDS
Democrats seeking comeback:Brevard County Democrats hope for resurgence with Harris as presidential nominee
GOP straw poll results:Some surprises result from Republican straw poll at event that had record attendance
U.S. SENATE
Incumbent Republican U.S. Sen Rick Scott faces Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in this election. Both easily won their party's primary elections on Aug. 20. Also running in this race are Libertarian Feena Bonoan; no party affiliation candidates Ben Everidge and Tuan Nguyen; and write-in candidate Howard Knepper.
Primary results:Rick Scott, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell win, set up Senate showdown
Scott vs. Mucarsel-Powell:Election 2024: Rick Scott, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell square off over US Senate seat
More on the Senate candidates:Florida US Senate 2024 election voter guide: Scott vs. Mucarsel-Powell
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 8
Incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Posey opted not to run for reelection this year. The candidates are Republican Mike Haridopolos and Democrat Sandy Kennedy, who each won their party's primaries on Aug. 20.
Posey decides against running again:Eight-termer Posey won't seek reelection to Congress. Haridopolos among five seeking seat
Trump endorses Haridopolos:Haridopolos picks up Trump endorsement in Republican primary for Congress in 8th District
Posey discusses decision to retire:Congressman Bill Posey on upcoming retirement: 'I just want to finish strong'
Governor weighs in:DeSantis endorses Haridopolos in Republican primary for Congress in Brevard, Indian River
In-depth look at three Republicans:Three GOP candidates spar for congressional seat opening with Rep. Posey's retirement
In-depth look at two Democrats:Attorney Kennedy, Councilman McDow face off in Democratic congressional primary
Babits drops out of race:GOP congressional candidate Babits suspends campaign, endorses Hearton over Haridopolos
Primary results:Ex-Senate President Haridopolos, attorney Kennedy win congressional primaries, face off next
Haridopolos vs. Kennedy:Republican Haridopolos, Democrat Kennedy face off in congressional race to succeed Posey
FLORIDA LEGISLATURE RACE OVERVIEW
House candidate qualifying:Who qualified to run as your next representative of Brevard County in the Florida House?
FLORIDA SENATE DISTRICT 19
This election is for the seat now held by Republican Debbie Mayfield, who could not run for reelection because of term limits, and instead is running this year for the Florida House District 32 seat. The candidates are Republican Randy Fine, a Florida House member who cannot seek reelection there because of term limits; and Democrat Vance Ahrens.
Check back to read our story on the Fine vs. Ahrens race.
Fine to seek seat in Senate:Rep. Randy Fine announces 2024 run for Florida Senate
Trump endorsement for Fine:Randy Fine picks up Trump endorsement after breaking with DeSantis
In-depth look at the candidates:Fine and Sheridan draw sharp contrast in State Senate District 19 GOP primary
Primary results:Fine wins State Senate District 19 GOP primary in blowout victory
FLORIDA HOUSE DISTRICT 30
Incumbent Republican Chase Tramont faces Democrat Kelly Smith in this race. The majority of the district is in Volusia County, with part of it in northern Brevard County.
FLORIDA HOUSE DISTRICT 31
Incumbent Republican Tyler Sirois is seeking reelection, and faces Democrat Joanne Terry.
Sirois vs. Terry:'Affordability,' Indian River Lagoon among top issues in Florida House District 31 race
FLORIDA HOUSE DISTRICT 32
This election is for the seat now held by Republican Florida Rep. Thad Altman, who could not run for reelection to the Florida House because of term limits, and instead is running this year for the Brevard County Commission District 5 seat. The candidates are Republican Debbie Mayfield, a state senator who cannot seek reelection to the Senate because of term limits; and Democrat Juan Hinojosa.
Primary results:How Florida House District 32 and 33 seats representing Brevard shaped up in Tuesday's primary
Mayfield vs. Hinojosa:Homeowners, auto insurance take center stage in Florida District 32 race
FLORIDA HOUSE DISTRICT 33
This election is for the seat now held by Randy Fine, who could not run for reelection because of term limits, and instead is running this year for the Florida Senate District 19 seat. The candidate are Democrat Vernon Mitchell Andreson Jr. and Republican's Monique Miller, both of whom won primary elections on Aug. 20.
Republican primary overview:Four Republicans seek to fill Randy Fine's District 33 seat in Florida House
Democratic primary overview:Anderson, Yantz running in Democratic primary for Florida House District 33 seat
Primary results:How Florida House District 32 and 33 seats representing Brevard shaped up in Tuesday's primary
Anderson vs. Miller:Democrat Anderson, Republican Miller to face off in election for House District 33 seat
FLORIDA HOUSE DISTRICT 34
Incumbent Republican Robert Brackett faces Democrat Joseph Alejandro Martinez in this race. Most of the district is in Indian River County County, with part of it in southern Brevard County.
Brackett vs. Martinez:State House District 34: Republican incumbent Brackett faces out-of-town Democrat challenger
BREVARD COUNTY SHERIFF
Incumbent Republican Wayne Ivey is seeking reelection against write-in candidate Brian Allen Potters.
Former deputy to run against sheriff:Ex-Brevard deputy who was shot in line of duty to challenge Sheriff Ivey in GOP primary
Concerns of Ivey's challenger:Former deputy says Sheriff Ivey treated him poorly after shooting. Now he wants the job
Write-in candidate challenges Ivey:Term-limited Brevard commissioners seek countywide office; sheriff faces write-in candidate
BREVARD COUNTY COMMISSION OVERVIEW
Who qualified for commission race:Term limits lead to lively races for Brevard County Commission as politicians scramble
BREVARD COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 1
This election is for the seat now held by Republican Rita Pritchett, who could not run for reelection because of term limits, and instead ran this year for the Brevard County tax collector, and lost in a primary. The candidates are Democrat Bryan Bobbitt, Republican Katie Delaney and Libertarian Nathan Slusher. Delaney won a four-candidate Republican primary on Aug. 20.
Primary results:Altman, Delaney and Adkinson win GOP primaries County Commission seats
Bobbitt vs. Delaney vs. Slusher:Three-candidate race will bring change to North Brevard's District 1 on County Commission
BREVARD COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 3
This election is for the seat now held by Republican John Tobia, who could not run for reelection because of term limits, and instead ran this year for the Brevard County supervisor of elections and lost in a primary. The candidates are Republican Kim Adkinson, who won a GOP primary; and Democrat Yvonne Minus.
Primary results:Altman, Delaney and Adkinson win GOP primaries County Commission seats
Adkinson vs. Minus:GOP committeewoman, Melbourne councilwoman face off for Brevard Commission District 3
BREVARD COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 5
This election is for the seat now held by Republican Jason Steele, who is not running this year to retain his seat. He was appointed to the seat by Gov. Ron DeSantis after the resignation of former District 5 Commissioner Kristine Zonka. The candidates are Republican Thad Altman, who won a Republican primary; and Democrat Vinnie Taranto Jr. Altman, a member of the Florida House of Representatives, could not seek reelection to the House because of term limits.
Primary results:Altman, Delaney and Adkinson win GOP primaries County Commission seats
Altman vs. Taranto:Legislator Altman faces community leader Taranto for District 5 Brevard Commission seat
BREVARD SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 3
Incumbent Jennifer Jenkins is not seeking reelection, after redistricting of Brevard School Board districts put her residence out of her district. John Thomas won the nonpartisan primary on Aug. 20, and will take office in November.
Primary results:Thomas wins District 3 seat on Brevard's school board in 2024 primary election
BREVARD SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 4
Incumbent Matt Susin is seeking reelection. None of the four candidate received more than 50% of the vote in an Aug. 20 primary, so the top two finishers — Susin and Avanese Taylor — are in a runoff election on Nov. 5.
Video of candidates at Editorial Board:Editorial Board meets with candidates for Brevard School Board District 4
Primary results:Race for D4 seat on Brevard's school board heads to November runoff between Susin, Taylor
Susin vs. Taylor in runoff:Brevard's School Board race comes down to Matt Susin, Avanese Taylor in November election
FLORIDA TODAY endorsement:Our endorsement for Brevard County School Board district 4
JUDICIAL RACES
There were three contested judicial elections this year on the primary Aug. 20 ballot — Circuit Court Group 17, and County Court Groups 6 and 10. None of the incumbents in these races was seeking reelection.
General Magistrate Kristen Smith-Rodriguez won the Circuit Judge Group 17 judge race against Assistant Public Defender Andrea Fant.
Assistant State Attorney Jonathan Skinner defeated private attorney Timi DeAnn Tucker to take the County Judge Group 10 race.
A three-candidate race for County Judge Group 6 is going to a runoff election on Nov. 5 between Assistant State Attorney Clarissa Harrell and private attorney Margaret "Maggie" Wagner after no candidate received more than 50% of the vote.
This year, there also are seven appellate judges from the 5th District Court of Appeals, as well as two Supreme Court of Florida justices, on the ballot for retention votes.
Unopposed judicial races:Most Brevard County judicial races already wrapped up
What candidates said at forum:Judicial candidate forum offers rare insight into new crop of Brevard judge candidates
Primary results:Brevard judge races: Smith-Rodriguez, Skinner win; county race will go to runoff
Judicial retention ballot items:Opinion: Figuring out how to vote on Florida Appellate judges can be a crapshoot
MUNICIPAL RACES
All municipal elections are nonpartisan.
CAPE CANAVERAL
Incumbent Mayor Wes Morrison is being challenged by former City Council member Angela Raymond.
Morrison vs. Raymond:Incumbent Cape Canaveral Mayor Morrison faces former City Council member Raymond
COCOA
In the mayor's race, Incumbent Mayor Mike Blake is being challenged by George Allen Cowart. Candidates for two City Council seats were unopposed incumbents — Lavander Hearn in District 2 and Patricia Weeks in District 3.
Blake vs. Cowart:Cowart challenges incumbent Cocoa Mayor Blake in election
COCOA BEACH
Incumbent Mayor Keith Capizzi is being challenged by former Mayor Dave Netterstrom. In a City Commission Seat 2 race, incumbent Joshua Jackson is being challenged by Angela Cobb. In a City Commission Seat 3 race, the candidates are Michael Johnson and Tim Tumulty for the seat now held by Karalyn Woulas, who is not running this year.
Check back for a story on these races.
GRANT-VALKARIA
All municipal elections were unopposed.
INDIALANTIC
All municipal elections were unopposed.
INDIAN HARBOUR BEACH
In a Seat 3, City Council race, incumbent Shauna Hume is being challenged by Susan Ruimy.
Hume vs. Ruimy:Election 2024: Shauna Hume, Susan Ruimy square off in Indian Harbour City Council Seat 3 race
MALABAR
All municipal elections were unopposed.
MELBOURNE MAYOR
Incumbent Mayor Paul Alfrey is being challenged by Hazel Buggs and former Mayor Kathy Meehan.
Alfrey vs. Buggs vs. Meehan:Melbourne's mayor race features incumbent, former mayor and longtime resident
Editorial Board endorsement:Editorial: Our endorsement for Melbourne Mayor.
MELBOURNE CITY COUNCIL
Three seats are being contested. In District 1, it's Dean Paterakis vs. Marcus Smith. In District 3, it's David Neuman vs. Kendra Rae Thompson. In District 5, it's incumbent Mimi Hanley vs. Samantha Nazario.
Three contested council races:Six candidates up for three seats on Melbourne City Council in November election
MELBOURNE BEACH
Four candidates are seeking two seats on the Melbourne Beach Town Commission — former Commissioner Joyce Barton, Anna Butler, Tim Reed and incumbent Commissioner Marivi Walker.
Four candidates in running:Four candidates seek two available seats on Melbourne Beach Town Commission
MELBOURNE VILLAGE
All municipal elections were unopposed.
PALM BAY MAYOR
Incumbent Mayor Rob Medina won reelection by getting more than 50% of the vote in a three-candidate primary on Aug. 20.
Four candidates want to be mayor:Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina faces three challengers in a city facing issue of urban sprawl
Primary results:Palm Bay mayor wins another term; two city council races go to November runoff elections
PALM BAY CITY COUNCIL SEAT 2
Incumbent Donny Felix is seeking reelection. He and Richard Mike Hammer are in a runoff election, after no candiate received more than 50% of the vote in a three-candidate primary.
Primary results:Palm Bay mayor wins another term; two city council races go to November runoff elections
Felix vs. Hammer:Incumbent Felix faces Hammer for Palm Bay City Council Seat 2
PALM BAY CITY COUNCIL SEAT 3
Incumbent Randy Foster resigned for health reasons. The Palm Bay City Council filled the vacancy with Philip Weinberg, who is not running for the seat in this election. Six candidates competed in an Aug. 20 primary for the seat. After no candidate received more than 50% of the vote, the top-two finishers — Chandler Langevin and Alfy Agarie — are in a Nov. 5 runoff election.
Primary results:Palm Bay mayor wins another term; two city council races go to November runoff elections
Agarie vs. Langevin:Agarie, Langevin square off in runoff for Palm Bay City Council Seat 3
PALM BAY CITY COUNCIL SEAT 5
Five candidates are running for this seat — Jimmy Backus, Paul D. Galbreath II, Mike Jaffe, Eduardo Macaya and David Rodriguez. The seat has been vacant sincePeter Filiberto resigned last year, and the City Council was not able to appoint a replacement by the deadline. So this is a special election to see who will serve out the remaining two years of the four-year term.
Five in running for position:Five candidates face off in election for Palm Bay City Council Seat 5
PALM SHORES
All municipal elections were unopposed.
ROCKLEDGE
Tara L. Connor and Josiah Gattle are running for City Council Seat 6, with incumbent Ted J. Hartselle not seeking reelection. For Seat 5, incumbent Duane Daski was unopposed.
Connor vs. Gattle:Connor, Gattle square off for Rockledge City Council Seat 6 in Nov. 5 election.
SATELLITE BEACH MAYOR
Incumbent Steven L. Osmer faces a challenge from Gabriel Johnson.
Johnson vs. Osmer2024 elections: Incumbent Satellite Beach Mayor Osmer faces challenge from Johnson
SATELLITE BEACH CITY COUNCIL
Two seats are open in the race for Satellite Beach City Council, with current council member Mindy Gibson termed out and another member, David Vigliotti, stepping down. The candidates are Nicolle Boujaber, Mike Chase, Jazzie Hennings and Stephen Sams.
Four contenders for council seat:2024 elections: Four candidates seek two open seats on Satellite Beach City Council
TITUSVILLE MAYOR
Incumbent Mayor Dan Diesel ran for the Brevard County Commission District 1 seat, but lost in a Republican primary. The three candidates who sought to succeed him were Vickie J. Conklin, Andrew David Connors and Joe C. Robinson. No candidate received more than 50% of the vote in the primary, so the top two finishers, Conklin and Connors, are in a runoff election.
Three in running for Titusville mayor:Three candidates compete for Titusville mayoral seat, as incumbent Diesel runs for commission
Primary results:Titusville mayor race headed to November runoff election
Conklin vs. Connors:Mayor's race and two council races contested in Titusville, as city heads for new leadership
TITUSVILLE CITY COUNCIL
For Seat 2, Christopher Lance Childs and incumbent Sarah Seree Stoeckel are running. For Seat 3, Megan Diana Moscoso and William "Billy" David Specht are running. Incumbent Seat 3 City Council member Joe Robinson ran for Titusville mayor, but lost in a primary.
Childs vs. Stoeckel; Moscano vs. Specht:Mayor's race and two council races contested in Titusville, as city heads for new leadership
WEST MELBOURNE
City Council member Andrea Young won the mayor's seat in an unopposed election. Seven candidates are running for five available seats on the City Council — incumbent Pat Bentley, Adam Gaffney, Austin Gaylord, Kim McGibany, Alexis McGuire, incumbent Stephen Phrampus and incumbent Helen Voltz. The incumbent City Council members not in this race are Young; John Dittmore, who lost a Republican primary for Brevard County Commission in District 3; and Daniel McDow, who lost a Democrat primary for Congress in District 8.
Seven-candidate field:Seven West Melbourne City Council candidates running to fill five seats
UNCONTESTED MUNICIPAL AND SPECIAL DISTRICT RACES
This story includes information on uncontested races in Cocoa, Grant-Valkaria, Indialantic, Malabar, Melbourne Village, Palm Shores, Rockledge and West Melbourne, as well as in nine special districts.
Candidates run without opposition:Many Brevard municipal, special district elections decided, as candidates run unopposed
FLORIDA AMENDMENT OVERVIEW
Florida constitutional amendments need 60% support of voters for approval.
Details on six amendments:Florida's 2024 constitutional amendments: What voters need to know
What yes or no votes would mean:Quick guide to all 6 amendments on Florida ballot. Here's what your yes or no vote will do
Endorsements from Florida newspapers:How to vote on 6 Florida amendments on 2024 ballot, according to 6 Florida newspapers
FLORIDA AMENDMENT 1
This amendment would make school board elections partisan. It would need 60% support for passage.
Partisan school board elections:Florida's school board elections became nonpartisan in 1998. Amendment 1 could undo that
Video on Amendment 1:Florida Amendment 1: Making local school board elections partisan
Endorsements on Amendment 1:Florida Amendments 2024: How to vote on Amendment 1, according to 6 Florida newspapers
FLORIDA AMENDMENT 2
This amendment would add the right to hunt and fish to Florida’s Constitution. It would need 60% support for passage.
Pros and cons of amendment:Would Florida Amendment 2 ensure fishing and hunting rights, or lead to 'overkill?'
Video on Amendment 2:Florida Amendment 2: Establishes constitutional right to hunt and fish
Endorsements on Amendment 2:Florida Amendments 2024: How to vote on Amendment 2, according to 6 Florida newspapers
FLORIDA AMENDMENT 3
This amendment would legalize the use of marijuana for persons at least age 21. It would need 60% support for passage.
Proposals around the country:5 states including Florida could see recreational marijuana legalized in 2024. Here's where
What could the rules be:Recreational vs medical marijuana: If weed is legal, will we need medical marijuana cards?
What the measure would do:Recreational marijuana amendment vote coming in 2024. When will weed be legal in Florida?
Q&A on proposal:What is Florida Amendment 3? What to know about recreational marijuana in Florida
Where marijuana now is legal:Florida may become 25th state where recreational marijuana is legal. Here’s where it’s legal
Gov. DeSantis' opposition:DeSantis said Florida will have a 'big problem' with weed smell if marijuana law passes
Attorney John Morgan's view:Why does John Morgan want weed to be legal in Florida? What to know about the TV attorney
Historic context:Florida marijuana laws: What to know about the state's history of legalization attempts
What's next if it passes:If Florida passes a recreational marijuana law in 2024, will weed immediately be legal?
Video on Amendment 3:Florida Amendment 3: Legalizes recreational use of marijuana
Endorsements on Amendment 3:Florida Amendments 2024: How to vote on marijuana Amendment 3, according to 6 Florida newspapers
FLORIDA AMENDMENT 4
This amendment would allow abortions in the time frame before "viability" of the fetus. It would need 60% support for passage.
Details on Supreme Court action:Florida Amendment 4 and abortion referendum. What to know as Supreme Court decision ahead
Video on Amendment 4:Florida Amendment 4: Provides constitutional right to abortion before vitality
Endorsements on Amendment 4:Florida Amendments 2024: How to vote on Amendment 4, according to 6 Florida newspapers
FLORIDA AMENDMENT 5
This amendment would provide inflation adjustment to homestead property tax exemption. It would need 60% support for passage.
Video on Amendment 5:Florida Amendment 5: Provides inflation adjustment to homestead property tax exemption
Endorsements on Amendment 5:Florida Amendments 2024: How to vote on Amendment 5, according to 6 Florida newspapers
FLORIDA AMENDMENT 6
This amendment would repeal of the provision in the Florida Constitution which requires public financing for campaigns of candidates for elective statewide office who agree to campaign spending limits. It would need 60% support for passage.
Video on Amendment 6:Florida Amendment 6: Repeals provision for public funds for campaign expenses
Endorsements on Amendment 6:Florida Amendments 2024: How to vote on Amendment 6, according to 6 Florida newspapers
CHARTER AMENDMENT ON COUNTY COMMISSIONER SALARIES
This amendment would have the effect of increasing salaries for Brevard County commissioners by setting the salary at 90% of what is set forth in Chapter 145, Florida Statutes for county commissioners in Florida. The current salary for Brevard County commissioners is$60,272.98. If the amendment is approved, the salary would increase to $102,509.10, based on that formula. That's an increase of 70%.
Check back later for a story on this amendment.
BREVARD TAX ABATEMENT REFERENDUM
This referendum deals with Brevard County properly tax breaks for expanding business.
Commissioners to consider proposal:Proposal would put extension of Brevard economic development tax break program on ballot
Commissioners delay action:County Commission delays vote on having referendum to extend business property tax breaks
Proposal to go to Nov. 5 ballot:Voters to decide on extending Brevard County's tax break program for expanding businesses
Dave Berman is business editor atFLORIDA TODAY.Contact Berman atdberman@floridatoday.com, on X at@bydavebermanand on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/dave.berman.54