Washington County, Florida, voters face pivotal local elections on August 18, 2026 (primary election) and November 3, 2026 (general election), with key races for the Board of County Commissioners and School Board.
As of July 12, 2026, qualifying has concluded, and candidates are set for contested races in Commissioner Districts 2 and 4, plus several School Board seats.
The rural Panhandle county (population roughly 25,000) centers its campaigns on economic growth, infrastructure needs, education quality, and fiscal policy amid its agricultural, timber, and emerging industrial base.
Major Local IssuesEconomic Development and Job Creation
The county highlighted progress with its first major economic development project at the Industrial Rail Park in April 2026. In partnership with American Civil Contractors, the initiative involves a new asphalt and paving facility expected to create up to 65 jobs while providing affordable local materials. Officials emphasize business-friendly policies, including tax incentives, property tax abatements, one-stop permitting, and workforce support to attract and retain employers. Broader goals include leveraging proximity to military installations and diversifying beyond traditional agriculture and timber.
Infrastructure and Utilities
Water and sewer improvements rank high, with federal funding secured for system upgrades (including a noted $750,000 allocation in recent appropriations discussions). The Sunny Hills area has seen community meetings addressing water service concerns. Nearby Chipley has implemented rate adjustments tied to CPI for water, sewer, and related fees. Road maintenance, broadband expansion, and general growth management also feature in local discussions, reflecting rural infrastructure demands.
Tourism, Taxes, and Fiscal Policy
Voters may decide on a Tourist Development Tax (bed tax) increase referendum—from the current 3% to the statutory maximum of 5%. Passage requires at least 60% approval. The Tourist Development Council focuses on promoting events, regional tourism, and maximizing economic returns through advertising and sponsorships. Debates center on balancing revenue for tourism promotion and infrastructure against impacts on visitors and local businesses.
Education and Workforce
School Board races underscore ongoing priorities around educational quality, funding, resources for rural schools, and preparing students for local job opportunities. The district serves a community with historical challenges in educational attainment, making school performance and support a consistent voter concern.
Other recurring themes include public safety, healthcare access in a rural setting, and strategies to retain young families through economic opportunity and quality of life improvements. The county maintains a strongly conservative political lean, with most local races featuring Republican candidates for partisan offices.
Candidates for Washington County Board of County Commissioners
The five-member board handles legislative and policy matters. In 2026, Districts 2 and 4 are up for election (staggered terms). Races are primarily Republican, with primaries likely determining nominees where multiple candidates qualify.
District 2
- Leigh “Lee Cope” (R)
- David Pettis Jr. (R) — Current Chair of the Board (incumbent seeking re-election)
District 4
- Curtis Enfinger (R)
- Wesley Griffin (R) — Current commissioner (incumbent seeking re-election)
Other districts (1, 3, and 5) are not up in this cycle based on available information. Current commissioners include Ashlynn Marquez (District 1, Vice-Chair), Joey Brock (District 3), and David Corbin (District 5).
Candidates for Washington County School BoardSchool Board races are nonpartisan. Available information indicates contested or candidate activity in at least Districts 1, 4, and 5.
District 1
- Cynthia “Cindy” Johnson Brown
- Sabrina Woods
District 4
- Will “Tonka” Taylor
District 5
- Cheryl Williams
Full details on all districts, including any unopposed races or additional candidates, should be verified directly with the Washington County Supervisor of Elections (Deidra Malloy Pettis). The office maintains the official candidates and races page.
Election Timeline and Voter Information
- Primary Election: August 18, 2026 (contested races advance top vote-getters).
- General Election: November 3, 2026.
- Voter registration or party changes for the primary close around July 20, 2026 (confirm exact deadline).
- Early voting, mail ballots, and polling locations available via the Supervisor of Elections office in Chipley.
Voters are encouraged to review the full ballot, candidate forums (such as the July 16, 2026, event hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce), and any local voter guides for platforms on the issues above. Turnout in these local races often influences county direction on growth, services, and fiscal priorities for years to come.
For the most current and complete information, visit the official Washington County Supervisor of Elections website (wcsoe.gov) and the county government site (washingtonfl.com. This article is based on publicly available reports as of mid-July 2026.
