Wednesday, August 19, 2026
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
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
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
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
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
