NW ST JOHNS COUNTY UNITED FOR PROGRESS

fighting for all voices, fighting for democracy

Voter Information

Time to Use your Voice and Your Vote

Here are important dates to remember for the 2026 election

2026 ELECTION DATES

General Election 2026

Election Day – November 3, 2026

Early Voting

October 21-October 31, 2026

Voter Registration Deadline

October 5, 2026

If you are new to the area or new to voting, and you are uncertain about where your polling place is located, you can go here to find out.

Voter Registration Information

Check your Voter Status

Your vote is your voice – make it count! Not sure if you are currently registered? Not sure if you have registered to vote by mail? Check your status in one quick stop. Don’t wait! Make your vote count!

REGISTER TODAY!

Don’t wait – register today and empower yourself to be part of the change. Then take it further, encourage friends, family and neighbors to register too. Every voice strengthens our democracy, and every voice matters

Renew Your Vote-by-Mail Registration

Due to state law changes, vote-by-mail needs to be renewed after every general election.

Vote-by-mail is a fundamental right that empower every eligible citizen to participate in our democratic process, regardless of circumstances or location. Your vote is safe and protected. It’s safe and secure. Florida’s vote-by mail system employs stringent security measures to ensure the integrity of every ballot

Whether you’re a busy professional, a senior citizen, a student, or facing mobility challenges, vote by mail ensures that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in our democracy. Check your VBM registration status and renew below.

Poll Greeters Wanted

With the 2026 Elections quickly approaching, we are in need of interested volunteers to staff our Poll Greeting tables at the local polling places. This is a fun way to get involved and help your local candidates. If you are interested, please use the buttons below to go to the sign-up sheets. We are currently looking for volunteers for the Primaries. We will need help for both early voting and election day. We hope you can find time to help us out.

November Election Voter Guide

Now that the 2026 Democratic primary is over, you can build your own custom voter guide for the November election, by using this website. Simply click on this site and enter your address.

Democratic Candidates for Office

Governor - David Jolly

David Jolly is a former Member of Congress, attorney, and nationally recognized television analyst who launched his bid for Governor in June of 2025. Since announcing his candidacy, David has traveled every corner of the state, hosting hundreds of town halls and community forums focused on improving the state’s economy. A person of deep faith, David believes everyone deserves a shot at work, wages, and wealth, and that their rights should be protected and their dignity celebrated, regardless of the color of one’s skin, where they were born, who they love, or who they worship.

David has focused his campaign on historic groundbreaking homeowner’s insurance reform, the expansion of primary healthcare services, and investing in more community public schools. A fifth-generation Floridian and son of a minister, David and his wife Laura are raising their young family in Pinellas County.

David’s political story is one of change. While in Congress, he was known as a common-sense Republican working across the aisle on issues like campaign finance reform, gun violence prevention, reproductive freedom, and the environment. His fight to take on Washington corruption was featured on CBS’ 60 Minutes. David then spent seven years as an independent, organizing voters throughout the country around democracy protection, ending gerrymandering, opening primaries, and reforming our broken campaign finance laws. Today, David is a proud Florida Democrat, fighting for the values he sees rooted in democratic tradition, that the economy should work for everyone; responsible investments in housing, healthcare, and education can improve people’s lives; and, everyone’s rights should be protected regardless of their walk of life.

David’s willingness to lead with conviction led the Tampa Bay Times to write, “It’s refreshing to hear someone take on the system.” One Washington Post columnist famously penned, “Jolly speaks the truth.” And upon leaving Congress, another columnist wrote, “Farewell to the one Congressman willing to compromise.”

In addition to his work in Congress and in the private practice of law, David served for nearly a decade as a political analyst on NBC and MSNBC. His work has been featured in Time, USA Today, Roll Call, The Washington Post, The New York Times, CNN, NBC, and The Tampa Bay Times. David received a Bachelor’s degree from Emory University and a Juris Doctor Cum Laude from George Mason.

Florida Attorney General - Jose Javier Rodriguez

José Javier Rodríguez is a Cuban‑American attorney, public servant, and longtime Florida lawmaker who in 2026 became the Democratic nominee for Florida Attorney General. Born on August 8, 1978, in High Point, North Carolina, Rodríguez grew up in Miami, shaped by a family history rooted in exile and resilience. His father fled Cuba at age 15 during Operation Pedro Pan, while his mother’s family traces its heritage to the American Midwest.

An Eagle Scout and graduate of Miami Palmetto Senior High School, Rodríguez went on to earn a B.A. in international relations from Brown University in 2000. Immediately after college, he served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Senegal from 2000 to 2003, an experience that deepened his commitment to public service and community advocacy. After returning to the United States, he earned his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 2006 and began his legal career working as an immigration and legal aid attorney, representing working people whose wages were stolen or whose rights had been violated.

Rodríguez entered Florida politics in 2012, winning election to the Florida House of Representatives, where he served until 2016. He then represented District 37 in the Florida Senate from 2016 to 2020, focusing on consumer protection, environmental issues, and government accountability. His 2020 reelection bid became nationally known after he lost by just 34 votes due to a “ghost candidate” scheme orchestrated by former Republican Senator Frank Artiles, who paid a sham candidate with the same last name to siphon votes. Artiles was later convicted on felony charges in 2024.

Following his legislative service, Rodríguez joined the Biden administration as Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training from 2024 to 2025, overseeing national workforce programs and continuing his advocacy for working families.

On June 2, 2025, Rodríguez launched his campaign for Florida Attorney General, pledging to be “the people’s lawyer” and restore independence to an office he argues has become overly politicized. His platform centers on anti‑corruption, consumer protection, combating insurance abuses, addressing the fentanyl crisis, and challenging utility monopolies such as Florida Power & Light. He emphasizes returning the Attorney General’s office to its core mission: protecting Floridians rather than serving political interest.

In June 2026, Rodríguez secured the Democratic nomination unopposed, advancing to a high‑profile general election against incumbent Attorney General James Uthmeier. He enters the race backed by organizations such as the Latino Victory Fund, SAVE, SEIU Florida, and prominent Florida political figures. Despite facing a significant fundraising gap, Rodríguez’s campaign highlights affordability, crime, and corruption as the three issues most affecting Florida families.

Rodríguez lives in Florida with his wife, Sonia Succar Ferré—granddaughter of former Miami Mayor Maurice Ferré—and their two young sons. His career reflects a consistent focus on public service, legal advocacy, and fighting for everyday Floridians.

Florida Agricultural Commissioner - Joey Mendoza Atkins

Joey Mendoza Atkins is a Florida attorney, small‑business advocate, and the 2026 Democratic nominee for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Born and raised in Palm Beach County, Atkins grew up in Jupiter and later West Palm Beach, where he developed an early interest in public service and economic fairness.

Atkins earned a B.A. in political science (cum laude) from Florida Atlantic University, followed by a Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo College of Law in 2013. He later completed a Master’s Degree in International Economic Development at The New School’s Milano School of Policy, Management, and Environment, deepening his expertise in economic policy and community development.

Professionally, Atkins has worked as an attorney with the Kemp Law Group, where he focused on holding institutions accountable and advocating for everyday Floridians. His career also includes experience as a sports agent, giving him insight into contract negotiation, business operations, and consumer protection.

Atkins advanced from the Democratic primary on August 18, 2026, defeating Donald Prichard with 60.3% of the vote. He now faces incumbent Wilton Simpson and independent candidate Kyle Gibson in the November 3 general election.

His campaign emphasizes transparency, accountability, and competence within one of Florida’s largest state agencies. Atkins argues that the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services must better support farmers, protect consumers, safeguard natural resources, and operate free from special‑interest influence.

Atkins has also highlighted issues such as cannabis legalization, protecting immigrant farmworkers, and stabilizing food costs—priorities he says are essential to making Florida “healthy and affordable again.” He contends that strengthening labor stability and modernizing agricultural policy will help Florida maintain its role as a leading national food producer.

Joey Mendoza Atkins lives in Miami and continues to advocate for fair economic policy, consumer protection, and a resilient agricultural future for Florida.

Florida CFO - Annette Taddeo

Annette Taddeo is a Miami‑based businesswoman, longtime public servant, and the 2026 Democratic nominee for Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO). A veteran of South Florida politics, she is widely recognized for her advocacy on affordability, insurance reform, and government accountability. Taddeo previously served in the Florida Senate, representing District 40 from 2017 to 2022, where she became the first Latina Democrat ever elected to the Florida Senate.

Born in Colombia and raised in a military family, Taddeo moved to the United States as a teenager. She built a successful small business career before entering public life, gaining a reputation for resilience and independence. Her political experience includes serving as chair of the Miami‑Dade Democratic Party and running for Congress, further cementing her role as a prominent statewide figure.

In June 2026, Taddeo launched her campaign for CFO, framing the office as an essential watchdog over state spending, insurance regulation, and consumer protection. She argues that Florida’s CFO must aggressively scrutinize how public dollars are used, especially amid rising insurance premiums and affordability challenges facing families.

Taddeo won the Democratic primary on August 18, 2026, earning 65.67% of the vote and advancing to a high‑profile general election against Republican incumbent Blaise Ingoglia. Her platform centers on lowering insurance costs, increasing transparency in state contracting, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used responsibly. She has sharply criticized Ingoglia for failing to audit major state expenditures, including the controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” detention facility.

Education leaders and major unions, including the United Teachers of Dade, have endorsed her candidacy, citing her integrity, independence, and long‑standing commitment to Florida families.

Annette Taddeo’s campaign positions her as an experienced, reform‑minded leader aiming to restore accountability and affordability for Floridians through one of the state’s most powerful financial oversight offices.

United States Senate -Anjie Nixon

Angie Nixon is a Democratic State Representative, union organizer, mother, and proven fighter born and raised in Jacksonville. In the State House, Angie has been a leading champion for working and middle class Floridians—from expanding childcare for thousands of families; to stopping a major grocery chain from gouging their prices; to leading the resistance to DeSantis’s unfair voting maps.

Angie’s pathbreaking leadership includes serving as Executive Director of Florida for All, a statewide coalition that has registered tens of thousands of new voters while raising resources for campaigns and issue-based organizing across the state.

With our state’s rich resources, we all deserve to thrive. Angie is fighting for our children. For lower costs and higher wages. For a government that stands up to corrupt billionaires and corporate greed—while opening the door to the people. For the heart and soul of our country.

United States Congress - CD5 - Rachel Grage

Rachel Grage has spent her life showing up for her community and working to make it stronger.

She raised four children while staying deeply involved in the life of her neighborhood and the broader community. Rachel volunteered locally, supported schools and churches, participated in regional theater, and took on leadership roles in her neighborhood association. These experiences grounded her in the everyday realities families face and reinforced her belief that communities work best when people are willing to step up and take responsibility.

As her children grew older, Rachel became increasingly engaged in civic life and public policy. She began attending local meetings, following legislative debates, and speaking out about how decisions made in Tallahassee and Washington affect real people. She saw how policy choices directly shape the cost of insurance and health care, housing affordability, public education, and whether families can afford to remain in the communities they call home.

Through her work as a community advocate, Rachel focused on issues impacting working families across Northeast Florida. What she witnessed troubled her. Too often, elected officials prioritized partisan conflict and political theater over addressing rising insurance costs, housing shortages, and the economic pressures squeezing families throughout the region. She saw a growing disconnect between the challenges people face and the priorities coming out of government.

Rachel ran for the Florida House because she believed the state could do better and that leadership should be rooted in problem solving, accountability, and service. When that race ended, she did not step away from public life. She continued to advocate for families, stay engaged with policy debates, and work within the community to push for practical solutions. For Rachel, public service is not about a single campaign or election. It is about consistent engagement and standing up for people who need a voice.

Rachel Grage is running for Congress because she believes Florida’s Fifth District deserves representation that is grounded in the community and focused on results. Her campaign is guided by a clear set of values: affordability for families, accountability from elected officials, and restoring trust in a democracy that works for the people it serves.

Florida State House HD-19 - Suzanna Pavelle

I’m Suzanna Pavelle – a small business owner, community advocate, volunteer and someone who’s proud to call Northeast Florida home. Like many of you, I’ve been feeling the squeeze. Property insurance keeps going up. Healthcare costs more every year. Groceries, gas, everyday essentials – it all adds up. For people on a fixed income, or working hard just to get by, it’s getting harder to keep up.

I didn’t plan to run for office, but I got tired of watching our representatives in Tallahassee focus on culture wars and cater to developers, instead of tackling the real issues. Too many decisions are being made without listening to the people who actually live here. I believe we deserve better, and that’s why I stepped up.

If you send me to Tallahassee, I’ll stay focused on what really matters to our community. That means working to bring down property insurance costs and make healthcare more affordable. It means making sure local communities, not outside interests, have a real say in how our area grows and develops. It means protecting the natural beauty that makes this place special. And it means strengthening our public schools, so every child has a fair shot.

I’ve spent over 25 years running a small business, solving problems, and making tough decisions. I’m not a career politician. I’m someone who sees what’s happening around us and is ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work.

I’m running to be a voice for people who feel like they’ve been overlooked. And I’d be honored to earn your trust and your vote.

Florida State House HD-18 - Art Stresing

Art Stresing is the son of a Disabled Navy Veteran and a Filipino Immigrant Mother. He and his siblings grew up Catholic and were raised on food stamps. His parents produced two attorneys, a teacher, and a professional with a graduate degree. His parents instilled a sense of hard work and perseverance that they all still rely upon today

He worked his way through college and earned his undergraduate degree at the University at Buffalo as a recruited walk-on on their D-1 Football Team at Center/Guard. He earned his law degree at Florida Coastal and has been practicing law as an attorney since 2011.

He has lived in the Saint Johns/Jacksonville area for 20 years and has owned a home in Saint Johns since 2017. He is married to his wonderful wife, Brittney Stresing, who is on Active Duty Orders in the U.S. Navy. They have two amazing children of Filipino-Jamaican heritage, Phoenix Storm and Banner Logan, who both possess limitless potential.

Art was never a stranger to hard work. He worked many jobs from different walks of life. He worked as a paperboy, manual laborer on farms, pitched festival tents, worked in medical supply factories on the floor, as a bouncer, in VA hospitals, and at law firms. He was the President of the Jacksonville Asian-America Bar Association for many years and has served on several committees within the FL Bar and Jacksonville Bar Association while volunteering throughout the community. He is currently a Division Chief at the Public Defender’s Office in Downtown Jacksonville and has been there for over 11 years zealously defending the rights of the poor and defenseless.

His hard work and perseverance didn’t end there. During the pandemic in 2020, he cared for his family and their newborn baby. Shortly after things calmed down and people started returning to work, his family was struck with the ultimate blow. His late wife of 11 years, Dee Stresing, was diagnosed with cancer. For the next year, he took her to countless chemo treatments and doctor appointments, all while working full-time as an attorney at the public defender. Tragically, cancer did what it usually does and Dee passed in 2022. He then stepped up even more as a widowed single father to make sure that his children were taken care of and supported during this time of grief. Years passed and he met his wonderful wife, Brittney, who gave all three hope and happiness. She was exactly what they needed in their lives and has been an amazing wife and mother.

Art is running for the FL House of Representatives, District 18 because his life struggles don’t limit him, they define him. They have shown him that hard work and perseverance can lead to great things. He loves Saint Johns and he knows that many other families also face their own hardships and struggles. He is determined to do whatever it takes to make their lives better in Saint Johns.

St Johns County School Committee - District 4 - Jillian Tozer

Jillian Tozer, a local small business owner, dedicated community leader, and Nocatee mother, is running for the District 4 School Board seat. As proud District 4 homeowners, Jillian and her husband, Brendan, specifically chose to put down permanent roots in St. Johns County because of the district’s reputation for educational excellence.

Jillian is deeply invested in the Valley Ridge Academy community where her two daughters, Lilly and Maddy, attend second and fourth grade. She is a highly active volunteer, serving on the PTO, the School Advisory Council (SAC), the Library Committee, and as a room parent. Beyond her extensive involvement in the classroom, Jillian is a professional with a background in complex logistics and community development. As the owner of Tozer Travel, she understands the daily challenges facing small businesses. Combined with her degree in City, Regional Planning, and Community Development, she possesses a unique set of skills perfectly suited for managing the growth and budgetary demands of a top-tier school district.

Jillian understands the diverse needs of District 4—from protecting the established excellence of Ponte Vedra Beach to managing the rapid growth of Nocatee. She is running to bring proactive, common-sense leadership to the School Board, focusing on four key pillars:

Teacher Retention: Committing to keeping our most dedicated educators in the classroom and preventing budget-related layoffs.

Smart Growth: Leveraging her background in regional planning to address rezoning challenges transparently and responsibly as local demographics evolve.

Academic Excellence: Maintaining St. Johns County’s #1 district rating by ensuring robust, higher-level AP classes remain fully funded and available.

Fiscal Responsibility: Managing the district with total financial transparency to maximize the impact of taxpayer funds.

City of St. Augustine Commission

Seat 5

Matt Brown

Matt Brown is a 2000 graduate of St. Augustine High School, and the current chair of the St. Augustine Port, Waterway, and Beach District. He earned his law degree from NYU in 2011, and serves as executive director of Common Good, a non-partisan government reform and public policy group. He lives in Uptown with his wife and two children, and enjoys gardening, swimming, and woodworking.

Matt Brown is a native Floridian and a 2000 graduate of Saint Augustine High School. A beach lifeguard in St. Johns County for nearly a decade, he was awarded the South Atlantic Lifesaving Association’s “Lifeguard of the Year” award in 2003. After earning his law degree from NYU in 2011, he became the executive director of Common Good, a non-partisan government reform and public policy group, where he focuses on issues related to regulatory quality, infrastructure permitting, and urban planning. In 2018, Matt was elected to the St. Augustine Port, Waterway, and Beach District, and has served as chair since 2020. He also serves on the Guana-Tolomato National Estuarine Research Reserve’s Management Advisory Group and the Ketterlinus School Advisory Council. Matt and his wife Katie and their two children live in Uptown, where he enjoys gardening, swimming, and woodworking.

Ports, Waterways & Beaches

Melanie Sunshine Neale (Group 5)

Airport Authority Group 3

Sean Hess

Sean Hess is a Florida-based business owner and communications professional with more than 20 years of experience leading teams, managing operations, and working directly with the public. He has built and run businesses with a focus on reliability, clear communication, and getting things done the right way, including experience in real estate and client services.

Today, Sean works with research and clinical teams to help them communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively, experience that carries over to working with diverse stakeholders and making practical, well-informed decisions.

Sean has lived in St. Augustine since 1994 and has been involved in the community through volunteer work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Johns County, Ancient City Soccer, the St. Anastasia Choir, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. He and his wife raised their children in the St. Johns County School District, giving him a lasting personal investment in the community and its future.

Sean supports thoughtful, responsible growth, with an emphasis on economic development, job creation, and maintaining a high standard of service at the airport for businesses, customers, and local residents.

He brings a steady, results-oriented approach to decision-making, emphasizing transparency and long-term planning.

Mosquito Control Board

Sandra Fein - Seat 4

My name is Sandra Fein and I am running to serve as commissioner seat #2 on the board of Anastasia Mosquito Control District (AMCD). Mosquito control is a major public health issue for not only the county, but for the entire world, as mosquitos are prime vectors (carriers) for a wide host of serious and often fatal diseases. Mosquitoes are vectors for severe pathogens such as West Nile, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Dengue, and Zika.

My platform is built like a three-legged stool: data driven research to stay ahead of the threats, active vector control to stop mosquitos in their tracks, and public education so we can fight them together. If you weaken one leg, the whole system fails.

Education of the public is a major force multiplier in this ongoing battle. My education and professional work background makes me an ideal candidate for this position. As a Registered Nurse (FL #3015192) with a clinical background spanning critical care to infection control to hospice. I have a master’s degree in Community Psychology, post graduate work in Organizational Studies and have consulted and taught in a variety of academic settings. I have served as the clinical administrator of the one of the nation’s largest rural hospices, and as the director of education for a major medical consulting corporation. With decades of experience managing multimillion dollar budgets in healthcare, I will ensure your tax dollars are used efficiently and transparently.

Jason Smith - Seat 4

Once a Navy veteran, I am now the Operations Manager at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, where I oversee daily operations, safety, and preservation at one of the region’s most visited historic landmarks.

I’m a longtime St. Johns County resident, husband, father, and proud advocate for families, including my child with special needs. These experiences have deeply shaped who I am and strengthened my commitment to protecting public health and supporting families in our community.

As a graduate of Flagler College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, my professional background includes:

-Managing complex operations and maintenance teams-

-Ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency in public non-profit environments-[Text Wrapping Break]-Leading with accountability while solving real-world problems-

I bring proven leadership, a steady, results-driven approach, and a deep commitment to public service and believe that mosquito control should be handled locally, with a focus on protecting families, respecting the environment, and using taxpayer dollars responsibly.

Congratulations to the following Democratic Candidates who have won their seats unopposed:

Ashleigh Barnes, City oof St Augustine Commission, Seat 4
Peter Jennison for Port, Waterways, and Beaches, Group 3
Wes Moore for Ponte Vedra Municipal Services District, Seat 1
Judith Kinnecom, Heritage Park CDD, Seat 1
Nancy Brown, Isles of Bartram Park CDD, Seat 2
Joseph Zemel, Isles of Bartram Park CDD, Seat 4
Laurie Collier, Madeira CDD, Seat 2
Lisa Davies, Marshall Creek CDD, Seat 2
Carly Weddle, St Johns Forest, Seat 3
Sarina Durden, Turnbull Creek CDD, Seat 5

NWUP is a grassroots organization made of registered Democrats and NPA’s (No Political Affiliation) as affiliate members. It is the local Democratic Party Club for Northwest St Johns County

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PO Box 600332

St Johns, FL 32260

e-mail: nwsjcp@gmail.com