Highlands County election results brought victories Tuesday night for Frank Youngman and Hilary Hathaway, while two School Board races will continue into the Nov. 3 general election.
Youngman defeated two-term incumbent Arlene Tuck for the Highlands County Commission District 4 seat. Youngman received 8,184 votes, or 50.63%, to Tuck’s 7,979 votes, or 49.37%.
A Highlands County businessman and Lake Placid resident, Youngman ran on the importance of bringing a business perspective to the County Commission. He also focused on preserving the quality of life residents value in Highlands County.
Hathaway defeated incumbent Reese Martin for the District 4 School Board seat. Hathaway received 8,067 votes, or 51.96%, while Martin received 7,457 votes, or 48.04%.
Hathaway has spent nearly 20 years serving public schools as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and district-level leader. During the campaign, she attended forums, met with groups and focused on committed engagement in the Highlands County school system.
Two School Board races head to November
Kari Gurganus Pritchett and James Jonsten will advance in the District 1 School Board race.
Pritchett received 6,285 votes, or 40.95%. Jonsten received 4,833 votes, or 31.49%, and Chantel Parris received 4,230 votes, or 27.56%.
In District 5, Andy Tuck and Gary Brown will continue to the general election.
Tuck received 7,777 votes, or 48.67%. Brown received 5,398 votes, or 33.78%, and Savannah Casto received 2,805 votes, or 17.55%.
Highlands County election turnout
A total of 16,987 ballots were cast in Tuesday’s primary. With 62,235 registered voters, Highlands County turnout was 27.29%.
All 25 precincts had reported by Tuesday night. The results remain unofficial until certified.
The general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3. Youngman, Hathaway and the winners of the two remaining School Board races will take office Nov. 17.
