Flagler County Primary Election Draws Nearly 30 Percent Turnout as Voters Decide Local, State Races

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Flagler County voters turned out at nearly 30 percent for the August 18, 2026 Primary Election, casting ballots in races ranging from U.S. Senate and Governor to County Commission, School Board and Palm Coast City Council.

According to unofficial results posted by the Flagler County Supervisor of Elections Office, 29,575 ballots were cast among 98,714 registered voters, for a turnout of 29.96 percent. All 21 Flagler County precincts had completely reported, along with early voting and vote-by-mail results, as of the office’s 8:37 p.m. update Tuesday.

The election capped a busy voting season in Flagler County. More than 18,900 voters had already cast ballots by the conclusion of early voting, through a combination of early voting and vote-by-mail ballots. Statewide turnout data placed Flagler County around 29th among Florida’s 67 counties as Election Day results were being reported.

Several closely watched local races were decided or advanced Tuesday night.

In the Republican primary for Flagler County Commission District 2, Theresa Pontieri received 52.09 percent, or 8,336 votes, compared with Greg Feldman’s 47.91 percent, or 7,666 votes.

County Commissioner Leann Pennington received 54.58 percent, or 8,520 votes, in the Republican District 4 contest. Drew Moss received 24.65 percent with 3,847 votes, while Anna Jones received 20.77 percent with 3,242 votes.

Both Pontieri and Pennington face challengers in the November general election.

Flagler County’s School Board races also drew strong voter participation. In District 1, Cathy Moon received 55.93 percent, or 15,000 votes, compared with Jill R. Woolbright’s 44.07 percent, or 11,818 votes.

In School Board District 2, Rob Wood received 59.05 percent with 15,668 votes, while incumbent Will Furry received 40.95 percent with 10,866 votes.

The three-way District 4 School Board contest was tighter. Trevor Tucker led with 39.51 percent, or 10,442 votes, followed by Christy Chong with 37.20 percent, or 9,831 votes, and Ron Long with 23.29 percent, or 6,156 votes. Tucker and Chong will face off in the general election.

Palm Coast voters also weighed in on two City Council races. In District 2, Antonio “Tony” Amaral Jr. led with 45 percent, followed by Jeani Duarte with 30.17 percent and Jimmy Hengy with 24.83 percent.

Amaral and Duarte will be on the general election ballot for District 2, as will Shelley and Galery for District 4.

In Palm Coast District 4, Darlene Shelley received 32.06 percent, followed by Dylana “Dee” Galery at 26.94 percent, John Kvederis at 23.45 percent and Ramon Marrero at 17.55 percent.

In the nonpartisan race for Circuit Judge, 7th Judicial Circuit, Group 26, Jeanne Stratis received 62.82 percent of the Flagler County vote, with 15,794 ballots, while Carleen Leffler received 37.18 percent with 9,346 votes.

Flagler voters also participated in a slate of statewide and congressional primaries. Among the Flagler County results, David Jolly received 66.54 percent in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, while Byron Donalds received 48.68 percent of the Republican gubernatorial vote in Flagler County. In the Congressional District 6 Republican primary, Randy Fine received 57.17 percent of Flagler’s vote, while Eric Yonce led the Democratic field in Flagler with 31.45 percent.

In the U.S. Senate primaries, Ashley Moody received 83.08 percent of Republican votes cast in Flagler County, while Alex Vindman received 51.17 percent in the Democratic contest.

Behind the numbers was an extensive effort by election workers who staffed early voting locations and Flagler County’s 21 Election Day precincts, processed ballots and helped residents navigate the voting process.

Flagler County Supervisor of Elections Kaiti Lenhart expressed her appreciation following the election.

“Thank you to all poll workers, elections staff, and everyone who helped during this Primary Election,” Lenhart said. “Your dedication truly makes a difference for the voters of Flagler County!”

With Election Day, early voting and vote-by-mail results completely reported, the results now head to the election’s formal canvassing and certification process. The general election is set for November 3, 2026.

Visit www.flaglerelections.gov for details.