Deborah Wesley seeks Jacksonville council seat
Share this @internewscast.com

Deborah Wesley, a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office commander, enters the race for a potential City Council seat with Sheriff T.K. Waters’ endorsement.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office commander has announced her candidacy for a Jacksonville City Council position, potentially prompting a special election next year if the current council member, Terrance Freeman, decides to pursue a seat in the state House of Representatives.

Deborah Wesley, a one-star commander with 34 years of service in the Sheriff’s Office’s Department of Corrections, has launched her campaign with the endorsement of Sheriff T.K. Waters right out of the gate.

“It has been many years since someone from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has taken a role on the City Council. This election is set to change that,” Waters stated.

Wesley, a Republican, will run to fill the at-large group 1 seat held now by Freeman, who cannot run again for City Council because of term limits.

“I’ve spent my life serving this city, supporting families, and standing firm for our values,” Wesley said in the July 7 announcement of her campaign. “As a Jacksonville native, I understand the unique challenges our neighborhoods face because I’ve lived them — and I’ve worked every day to make our city safer, stronger, and more united.”

The next round of elections for city offices is slated for March 2027 but the contest for that particular council seat might come sooner in August 2026.

Freeman has been exploring a run for the state House seat held currently by Wyman Duggan, who cannot seek another House term because of term limits.

The election for state offices will have a primary in August 2026 followed by a general election in November 2026. If Freeman becomes a candidate for the House seat, the city would have a special election at the same time for voters to elect a new at-large council member for filling the rest of Freeman’s unexpired term on council.

Freeman, a Republican, said he is seriously considering a race for House District 12.

“I’ve been humbled by the encouragement I’ve received from conservative leaders and members of our community who share my commitment to common-sense principles, public safety and responsible government,” he said. “I’ll be making a final decision in the coming months after thoughtful consideration and prayer.”

With term limits preventing some council members from seeking re-election in 2027, they will be looking at other races if they want to remain in elective office.

City Council member Randy White has already filed to run for tax collector. That election runs at the same time as City Council elections so there won’t be a special election for White’s seat.

In the race for the at-large group 1 seat, Wesley said that as a “lifelong public safety professional, I know what it takes to keep our communities safe and uphold the rule of law.”

Waters, whose endorsement will be sought by Republicans running in the city races, said Wesley has a “no-nonsense approach to getting things done” and will bring “the discipline, command presence and sense of duty we need at City Hall.”

The at-large group 1 seat is one of five seats on the 19-member council that has a citywide election where all voters can cast ballots.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Dodgers' Michael Kopech undergoes surgery for torn meniscus

Michael Kopech of the Dodgers has surgery to repair a torn meniscus.

The Dodgers’ brutal week just got worse.  Amid a six-game losing streak,…

Terrifying incident as Delta flight makes emergency landing after banned TSA item ignites

A DELTA flight has been diverted after a passenger reportedly brought a…
Faith brings light to devastated Texas town after deadly flooding disaster

Hope Shines on Texas Town in Aftermath of Tragic Flooding

Volunteers have descended upon Kerr County, Texas, in the days following last…
More than 12,500 customers affected by power outages in Jacksonville area Wednesday

Over 12,500 Jacksonville Residents Experience Power Outages on Wednesday

JEA said the outages were due to the weather, mostly lightning strikes.…
Family portrait of two adults and two children in cowboy hats and jeans.

Pilot’s Frightening Alert Before Plane Crash in Field Kills Family of Four

Just before a tragic crash that claimed the lives of a family…
Trump ramps up fight with Harvard with threat to its accreditation, potentially jeopardizing its student aid

Trump escalates battle with Harvard by threatening its accreditation, possibly endangering student financial aid

The Trump administration has intensified its conflict with Harvard University, with federal…

Woman Criticizes Police for Delayed Response After Identifying Murderer Travis Decker, as Disturbing Details Surface

A WOMAN believes she might have spotted the dad accused of killing…
Woman in floral dress sitting on a pink couch.

Younger Girlfriend Who Identified Body of Putin’s Minister May Be Barred from Funeral Amid ‘Suicide’ Controversy

THE girlfriend of Vladimir Putin’s transport official who was found dead ahead…
Retired Chicago firefighter Patrick McDermott, who saved 3 girls from burning building, finds kidney donor with ABC7 I-Team's help

Retired Chicago Firefighter Who Rescued Three Girls from Fire Gets Kidney Donor Thanks to ABC7 I-Team

CHICAGO (WLS) — In February, the ABC7 I-Team met with Patrick McDermott,…
Number of law enforcement officers killed nationwide decreased in first half of 2025 compared to last year, data shows

Data Indicates a Decrease in Nationwide Law Enforcement Officer Fatalities in the First Half of 2025

CHICAGO (WLS) — A statistical pattern is heading in a positive direction,…
New Mexico flooding leaves 3 dead as fast-moving water sweeps through mountain resort town

Flooding in New Mexico Kills 3 as Flash Floods Hit Mountain Resort Town

Just a few days after catastrophic flash floods struck the Texas Hill…
Baby in camouflage outfit on American flag blanket.

Tragedy Strikes as Family Dog Fatally Attacks Infant While Mother Momentarily Attends to Chores

A BABY girl has been mauled to death by her family dog…