Full Breakdown
Mone' Holder Secures Jacksonville City Council Seat in August Special Election
8/19/2026, 6:07:52 AM
Election Outcome
Holder captured more than half of the votes in the August special election, eliminating the need for a runoff and allowing her to assume the at-large council seat once the results are certified in roughly ten days. The victory gives Democrats a flipped at-large seat among the five previously held by Republicans and positions Holder to vote on next year’s city budget.
Background & Context
The race was called to fill the remainder of former council member Terrance Freeman’s term after he pursued a state House seat. With three candidates—Holder, Republican Deborah Wesley, and Libertarian Addison “Liberty” Patrick—the contest served as an early gauge for the spring 2027 municipal elections, in which all 19 council seats and the mayoralty will be decided. Holder’s campaign was bolstered by a $510,000 contribution from attorney Steve Pajcic to the Jacksonville Together political committee.
Key Figures
- Mone' Holder – Chief advocacy and political officer for Florida Rising; chair of the Jacksonville Planning Commission since 2023.
- Deborah Wesley – Retired Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office commander who emphasized public safety during her campaign.
- Addison “Liberty” Patrick – Libertarian Party regional representative who ran on a “representation that doesn’t play favorites” platform.
- Mayor Donna Deegan – Jacksonville mayor who praised Holder’s election win.
Official Statements & Responses
Holder said she will focus on “restoring integrity” to the council and prioritize funding for parks, libraries, senior services, and a housing trust proposed by Mayor Deegan. She warned that previous attempts to cut meals-on-wheels and infant-mortality programs must not be repeated and stressed the need for affordable-housing solutions to keep local businesses thriving. Mayor Deegan expressed enthusiasm for continuing Jacksonville’s momentum with Holder on the council.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Last year, council members tried to cut meals-on-wheels and infant mortality programs, and we can't allow that,” — Mone' Holder
- “I'm excited to work with Mone' and keep Jacksonville's momentum going,” — Mayor Donna Deegan
