Jacksonville, FL — Duval County voters have re-elected Lenny Curry as Jacksonville Mayor and Mike Williams as Jacksonville Sheriff.
Vote-by-mail numbers remain only partially reported, but with both early voting and Election Day voting numbers fully reported, Lenny Curry had 57.65% of the vote. His next closest competition, Anna Lopez Brosche snagged 24.14% of the vote. Jimmy Hill got 7.53%, while Omega Allen picked up 10.50%.
During his victory speech, Curry addressed his accomplishments as mayor.
"Four years ago, I promised you I would focus on public safety, the pension crisis, educational opportunities for young people, invest in your neighborhoods, and create jobs. And over the last four years, I've honored those promises, and I believe that's why you've re-elected me, because I had a record to run on," said Curry.
Looking to the future, Curry says the focus will remain on public safety, with continued investment in after-school programs and summer jobs for young people. Curry also said he will keep a focus on the health of the St. Johns River and job creation.
Curry also addressed the future of downtown Jacksonville, saying you can't be a suburb of nowhere.
"We're gonna make downtown a destination. Residential, retail, sports, art, and entertainment. You will not recognize downtown in four years," said Curry.
While he promised big changes for downtown, he vowed it would not come at the expense of other neighborhoods.
Lopez Brosche released a statement following her defeat, congratulating Curry on his win. In that statement, she says she is understandably disappointed, but has absolutely no regrets about running for mayor.
FULL STATEMENT FROM LOPEZ BROSCHE POSTED BELOW:
[ STORY: FULL DUVAL COUNTY ELECTIONS RESULTS ]
In the race for Sheriff, Mike Williams defeated Tony Cummings, 61.60% to 38.40%, based on the fully reported early voting and Election Day voting numbers (vote-by-mail remains only partially reported).
During his victory speech, Williams thanked the people of Jacksonville for their vote as he said Tuesday's elections begins the next chapter of work that needs to be done.
"Today JSO is ready to handle any challenge-- to work with our community, to protect Jacksonville. This community's strong support of JSO continues to astound me and I am forever grateful for that," said Williams.
Williams says JSO will continue to work with the community to combat violence and gangs, as he says families in every neighborhood deserve to feel safe.
"Our core strategy going forward is a simple one. We know what works, we will do more of that. We will do it faster, and we will do it better," said Williams.
Williams says JSO's methods will only get better, thanks to the new tools and technology, the professionals of JSO, and the community.
Cummings released a statement Tuesday evening, thanking his supporters.
“I thank you for believing in our vision for securing the city and bringing crime under control. We did not get the results we were looking for, but our vision, I’m sure, did not go unnoticed by the establishment,” said Cummings.