Four candidates were seeking election to an open seat on the bench in the Duval County Court. As no one got more than 50% of the vote in the August primary, the top two, Shayla Lee and Matthew Lufrano, advance to the general election. This is a non-partisan race, meaning it is on the ballot for all voters in Duval County, regardless of party affiliation.
News4Jax reached out to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. They will be posted prior to the opening of early voting.
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Note: Candidates are sorted alphabetically and their responses, once received, will be published exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4Jax staff.
| NON-PARTISAN CANDIDATES |
Shayla Lee
Occupation: I am an attorney. I am currently an assistant public defender for the fourth judicial circuit here in Duval County.
Age: 39
Family: My husband, Jason Lee and I have 2 daughters, Raegan and Jaela Lee. Additionally, all of my immediate family are located here in Jacksonville. My parents Will and Emily Simmons are retired and have live on the northside for nearly 50 years. My sister Tamla Simmons is assistant principle at Stanton College Preparatory School. My brother Timothy Simmons is a regional superintendent with DCPS. Notably, my aunt, E. Denise Lee recently passed in late 2023 was active in the local political community. And I have a host of extended family, including uncles, aunts, and cousins that live here in Jacksonville.
Education: I graduated from Stanton College Preparatory School here in Jacksonville. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Media Arts, concentrating in Public Relations from Clark Atlanta University. I obtained my Juris Doctorate from Florida Coastal School of Law.
Political experience: ‘I have never held a political office. However, as far as legal experience, I have practiced law since 2015 when I was granted admission to the Florida State Bar. I worked in child dependency as an attorney with the Guardian ad Litem and Children’s Legal Services before transitioning to criminal defense. I have served as a public defender working with juveniles, specialty courts, county court and now in circuit court with felony cases. I did also briefly work in private practice with Epstein & Robbins law firm before returning to public service at the Public Defender’s Office.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
The top three issues in my particular race are lack of notice, lack of education, and the need for more voter engagement. Judicial races tend to get less attention and most people are unaware of who and what they are voting for. It’s important that we get the word out there so people are on notice of their options. Secondly, people need to understand the differences in jurisdictions between county and circuit courts and exactly what judges do in their roles. I try to explain these to everyone that I speak with while meeting voters in the community. And lastly, getting the people energized to go vote in local elections is crucial. My campaign aims to inform the voters of what the role of a county court judge is and how it may affect them on a personal level so they understand the importance of participating in local elections. And of course I want them to get to know me and what I’m about so they can consider voting for me as the next county court judge for Duval County.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I will bring a strong passion for helping the people of my local community to the bench. I am deeply invested in Duval County. I was born and raised here, I am raising my family here, and I want to serve the people by giving back in the best way I can. So I am going to bridge that passion with my legal expertise and ensure that everyone’s voices are heard and they receive fair and impartial justice in court.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I will bring a strong passion for helping the people of my local community to the bench. I am deeply invested in Duval County. I was born and raised here, I am raising my family here, and I want to serve the people by giving back in the best way I can. So I am going to bridge that passion with my legal expertise and ensure that everyone’s voices are heard and they receive fair and impartial justice in court.
Campaign website: www.shaylaleeforjudge.com
Campaign social media: Instagram | Facebook
Matthew Lufrano
Occupation: I am an Attorney who is licensed to practice law by the Florida Bar. I am also the owner an operator of Lufrano Legal, P.A. a small law firm located in Jacksonville Florida.
Age: 40
Family: I am married to a wonderful woman named Lauren and we currently have no children. My parents still live here in Jacksonville and have been residents here since August of 1990. I also happen to be the oldest of four siblings and I have three siblings-in-law.
Education: I attended and graduated from Jacksonville Episcopal High School in 2002. Then in 2006 I graduated cum laude with B.A. in Political Science and a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Florida. Finally in 2009 I graduated cum laude with a J.D. from the University of Florida Levin College of Law.
Political experience: ‘I have never held public office.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Judicial Candidates are prohibited from taking stances on issues that may come before them. However, I can state that if elected I would follow the constitution and the law.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
The rules for judicial races limit what candidates may convey, however, some unique qualities that I possess include the following.
- I am the longest practicing attorney running for this judicial position.
- I am Board Certified by the Florida Bar as an expert in Criminal Trial Law. As such, I am the only candidate running for this post who is Board Certified by the Florida Bar as an expert in any area of law.
- I have been previously vetted by our Circuit’s Judicial Nominating Commission for potential Judicial Appointment and on each such instance I was advanced by the Commission as a potential judicial appointee.
- I am also the only candidate running for this position endorsed by our Fraternal Order of Police and Jacksonville Association of Fire Fighters.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
If elected my first priority would be to faithfully carry out my duties as County Court Judge and follow the law. However, I would hope that doing so would lead to a legacy where members of the community remember me as a steward of the peoples trust and as a judge who followed the law and improved public confidence in our judicial system.
Campaign website: https://lufranoforjudge.com/
Campaign social media: Facebook