The Fort Pierce City Commission will continue to operate with one empty seat after none of the three candidates vying in a special election for the position received enough votes on Nov. 4 to win the spot.
Candidates Chris Dzadovsky and Jaimebeth Galinis will move forward with their campaigns, with a runoff election scheduled for Jan. 13, 2026.
The special election was necessary to fill the seat of disgraced former Fort Pierce City Commissioner James Taylor, who resigned and was removed by Gov. Ron DeSantis after he was arrested in July and charged with 24 felony counts relating to an alleged improper relationship with a young Illinois girl.
Filling the seat quickly was deemed important as key issues facing the city need resolution, and with only the mayor and three commissioners able to vote, stalemates remain a possibility.
In the interim, with just four voting members, the City Commission has unanimously voted on a number of resolutions, including to continue City Manager Richard Chess’ contract. A decision on a new police chief must still be made.
With no candidate getting more than 50 percent of the votes, the remaining two candidates will continue their campaigns for the three-year balance of Taylor’s four-year term.
Official results for District 2, Seat 2 primary were as follows: Donna Benton, 29.36 percent with 761 votes; Dzadovsky, 39.93 percent with 1,035 votes; and Galinis, 30.71 percent with 796 votes.
Voter turnout was 19.79 percent, with 2,594 ballots cast out of 13,106 registered voters.
“The higher the turnout, the better for me,” said Galinis, who said the Nov. 4 turnout was higher than expected.
Neither Dzadovsky nor Galinis were surprised that the campaign would lead to a January vote.
“With three candidates and historically low turnout in special elections, a runoff was likely. I had hoped we could seat someone immediately because the city’s challenges are so urgent. We are encouraged by having the largest percentage of votes,” said Dzadovsky said.
“Since we must wait until January, I will use this time to refine policy proposals so I am ready – if elected – to bring forward actionable solutions for debate and adoption,” said Dzadovsky, who plans to “keep organizing volunteers and building district-wide support.
“Our message is inclusive: We will represent all residents, especially neighborhoods that have been overlooked. We will continue fundraising to reach voters across the spectrum – even in a No Party Affiliation race – to build the broad coalition needed to win and to govern effectively,” he said.
“I’m going to just keep talking to as many people as I can,” said Galinis. “My strategy was going to remain the same. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who cast a vote for change and joined our movement for a stronger, more transparent Fort Pierce.”
“Tonight’s (Nov. 4) results show our message is resonating – people want accountable leadership and measurable progress.”
Her campaign focus now turns to continuing the conversation with voters.
“I’ll keep listening, keep showing up, and keep proving I’m ready to deliver real results for every neighborhood. The work isn’t done – but we are closer than ever,” said Galinis on her campaign website Fort Pierce Forward.
While party affiliation is not part of Fort Pierce City Commission elections, Galinis’ campaign signage and material boast in big letters that she is a Republican.
Asked whether party affiliation makes a difference, Dzadovsky said, “Some voters will still consider party cues; others will examine policies, vision and track record. Fort Pierce has been led largely by one party for decades, yet our city remains in crisis.
“More of the same will not solve new problems. I invite all concerned voters to join us in building a new future for a city on the rise,” he added.
Galinis decided to follow some advice someone shared with her. “I need to be more specific about what I’ll do in my first 30-60-90 days – like I’m starting a new job. I like that idea because this is a job to serve you.”