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Lakesha Burton files for Jacksonville sheriff’s race in March, but hasn’t ‘made a final decision’

Lakesha Burton

Lakesha Burton, the former assistant chief for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office who previously ran for sheriff in 2022, has filed the necessary papers to run for office again in March. But in a statement, she said she’s still “considering my options.”

Burton, a Democrat, lost the special election last November to Republican T.K. Waters, who is currently serving as Jacksonville sheriff. Waters received 55% of the vote, while Burton collected 45%.

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Candidate

Votes

%

T.K. Waters
T.K. Waters(R)
180,28555%
Lakesha Burton
Lakesha Burton(D)
146,78545%
100% of Precincts Reporting

(186 / 186)

News4JAX obtained the paperwork she filed Tuesday night. A statement she issued to News4JAX reads:

“The next election is crucial. It will determine what the next 8 years will be for our city. The dismal start to T.K. Waters’ administration and the significant interest in me as a candidate has me considering my options, but I haven’t made a final decision. I’m taking necessary steps should I decide to run.”

Waters had already announced he’s running for re-election. Before he was elected, he too worked at JSO, serving as chief of investigations. He issued a statement to News4JAX that reads:

“I am focused on my job as sheriff and keeping the people of Jacksonville safe. The residents have already let their voices be heard. Twice. Resoundingly. We will let the people voice their opinion a third time.”

The election in November came after Burton and Waters won the most votes in last August’s five-way election to elect a replacement for former Sheriff Mike Williams. Since neither candidate earned more than 50% of the vote, they advanced to the November ballot.

Williams resigned in June amid controversy over a move from Duval to Nassau County.

Notably, candidate qualifying for the March election is next week, and a candidate must pay the qualifying fee, or have submitted petitions to actually be in the election. The winner of the election in the spring will serve a full, four-year term.


About the Authors
Tarik Minor headshot

Tarik anchors the 4, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. weekday newscasts and reports with the I-TEAM.

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