Republican Kevin Carrico has been elected to the Jacksonville City Council District 4 seat, defeating Democrat Nicole Hamm 53.45% to 46.55% with 100% of District 4's precincts reporting.
Carrico, the vice president of operations for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida, ran on what he called “common sense leadership,” with crime prevention and intervention, education, and supporting small business the hallmarks of his campaign.
A special election was needed in District 4 because the seat is being vacated by former City Council President Scott Wilson, who launched a failed campaign to become the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Related: Returns, Local, State And National Election News
Hamm had headed into the general election in a strong position after winning the primary contest with 43.05% of the vote, compared Carrico’s 33.54%. But Carrico’s fundraising far outpaced Hamm’s.
As of Oct. 21, Carrico had raised more than $132,000, compared to Hamm's less than $57,000 in the home stretch of the campaign, according to the Duval County Supervisor of Elections.
Hamm had campaigned on her private sector accounting background and her status as a District 4 native.
Carrico also racked up a list of endorsements that include Sheriff Mike Williams, the Jacksonville Fraternal Order of Police, Jacksonville Association of Firefighters and others.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.