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Vol. 1 · No. 106 · Wednesday, August 19, 2026

The Gainesville Ledger

State & National

Alachua County and North Central Florida voters cast ballots in 2026 primary

Gainesville and Alachua County residents participated in Florida’s 2026 primary election, with results spanning congressional and state races. Coverage tracked vote counts across North Central Florida counties including Alachua, Marion, Hernando, and Columbia. Statewide, at least one Senate race produced a surprise outcome, according to reporting from the Gainesville Sun.

Sources: The Gainesville Sun · WUFT News

City

Tina Certain wins Alachua County Commission District 2 seat

Tina Certain secured the Democratic Primary for Alachua County Commission District 2, capturing 39% of the vote against three other candidates to replace outgoing Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler. Because no Republican filed to oppose her in November, the universal primary made the result official, with Certain celebrating Tuesday night at Heartwood Soundstage in Gainesville. She spent eight years on the Alachua County School Board before making the switch to county government.

Sources: WCJB TV20 · The Gainesville Sun · Mainstreet Daily News

City

Crabbe wins Gainesville City Commission District 2 seat with 62% of vote

Nathan Crabbe, a former Gainesville Sun opinions editor, claimed the open District 2 seat on the Gainesville City Commission on Tuesday, defeating Wyatt Zintiz and Nelida Jean-Baptiste Pellot. Crabbe, who said he knocked on 3,000 doors during the campaign, plans to prioritize affordable housing, roads, and infrastructure. He will replace Ed Book, who is now Santa Fe College’s police chief.

Sources: WCJB TV20 · Mainstreet Daily News

City

Gainesville stormwater and solid waste fees shifting to annual property tax bills

Starting October 1, Gainesville property owners will see charges for stormwater management and residential solid waste services listed as non-ad valorem assessments on their annual property tax bills rather than on monthly GRU statements. The change follows a decision by GRU leadership to remove city service charges from utility billing, and affected residents should expect to receive preview notices from the Alachua County Property Appraiser this month. Low-income and senior homeowners who may struggle with the assessments can apply for hardship assistance through August 31.

Sources: City of Gainesville · Mainstreet Daily News

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State & National

Randall wins Florida House District 21 by 174 votes in tight primary

Former Hawthorne Mayor Jackie Randall defeated Antione Fields in the Democratic primary for Florida House District 21, prevailing by just 174 votes in a universal primary. Randall captured approximately 27 percent of the total vote, with the two candidates separated by only one percentage point as results came in on election night. The seat was open after incumbent Yvonne Hinson did not appear on the ballot.

Sources: WCJB TV20 · Mainstreet Daily News

Rawson wins Republican primary for Florida House District 10

Marshall Rawson defeated Chase Brannan in the Republican primary for Florida House District 10, capturing roughly 55% of the overall vote and more than 63% of Alachua County ballots. The seat was previously held by state Rep. Chuck Brannan, Chase Brannan’s father, who is term-limited. Rawson will face Democrat Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson in the November general election.

Sources: Mainstreet Daily News · WCJB TV20

Byron Donalds wins GOP primary, sets up November race against David Jolly

Congressman Byron Donalds captured the Republican nomination for Florida governor Tuesday, earning 49% of the primary vote and defeating Lt. Governor Jay Collins and James Fishback. Donalds will face former Democratic Congressman David Jolly and his running mate Gwen Graham in the November general election. Jolly won his primary with 61.2% of the vote.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Florida schedules 13th execution of 2026 at Starke prison Tuesday

William Frances Silvia, 61, is set to receive a lethal injection at Florida State Prison near Starke on Tuesday evening for the 2006 fatal shooting of his estranged wife and the wounding of his mother-in-law. The execution would be Florida’s 13th this year, more than half of all U.S. executions carried out in 2026, with two additional executions already scheduled for September. A final appeal remained pending before the U.S. Supreme Court as of Monday.

Sources: WCJB TV20

In Brief

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