James Calkins, a former Santa Rosa County commissioner who lost his local re-election bid in 2024, also failed to win election to the Walton County Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 18.
Calkins took second place among three candidates in the Republican primary election for the District 4 seat on the Walton County Commission, winning about 35% of the vote, according to unofficial results.
Jim Bagby, the winner, took 38% of the vote and will be on the ballot Nov. 18 against two write-in candidates. Donna Johns rounded out the Republican field with 27% of votes.
Calkins was elected in Santa Rosa County in 2020 and served a contentious four years in office in which he was openly criticized by fellow commissioners and county residents alike. Rhett Rowell, who replaced Calkins on the Santa Rosa Commission, spoke critically of his opponent during the 2024 campaign decrying Calkins’ tactic of using his seat on the County Commission to promote himself, sing the praises of his favorite federal or state politicians and champion causes that had nothing to do with county business.
Calkins told the News Journal after losing in Santa Rosa County and relocating to Walton County, he took time out for prayerful reflection and came to the realization he had made mistakes and “was very opinionated in Santa Rosa County.” He said after watching the Walton County Commission meetings he decided that, if elected, he could contribute to better governance.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: James Calkins, former Santa Rosa commissioner, loses Walton election bid
Reporting by Pensacola News Journal / Pensacola News Journal
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By Pensacola News Journal | USA TODAY Network
