The Palm Beach Post sent questionnaires to candidates in the primary races for the Palm Beach County Commission in District 2, District 4 and District 6.
Candidates for the Democratic primary in District 2 are Teresa Johnson and Erica Whitfield.
Candidates for District 6 in the Republican primary race are Elizabeth Accomando and Sara Baxter.
Candidates for District 6 in the Democratic primary race are Mario Guzman, Rudolph Tinker and Katherine Waldron.
Republican Marci Woodward and Democrat Curtis Calabrese went unopposed in their respective primaries in District 4 and will face each other in November.
The primary election will be held Aug. 18. Winners advance to the general election Nov. 3.
The candidates’ answers were edited for length.
Teresa Johnson, Democrat, District 2
Age: 60Hometown: Haverhill
Previous experience: Haverhill councilperson (three terms); executive director of nonprofit organizations; board member and community leader
Education: Doctorate in Public Policy and Administration, Walden University; M.S. in Organizational Leadership and Nonprofit Management; B.A. in Business Administration
Employment history: Organizational development manager, Palm Tran (2022–present); executive director, Northwest Community Consortium; adjunct professor, McDaniel College; board vice chair, Northwest Community Health Alliance
Campaign priorities:
Housing Affordability – Work to increase affordable and workforce housing while protecting neighborhoods. Ensure the voter approved Housing Bond creates the maximum number of homeowners as possible.Economic Development – support job creation and workforce opportunityTraffic & Infrastructure – Meet the demands of the increase in population relative to roads, stormwater systems, adaptive signal technology to improve traffic flow and timing. Ensure completion of the Countywide Transportation Master Plan.
Specific areas of your district you would prioritize?
• Housing Affordability• Traffic and Congestion• Cost of Living
Campaign website: johnsonforcountycommission.com
Quotable: “Palm Beach County needs an experienced leader with proven impact who is ready to hit the ground running on day one.”
Why should voters choose you?
Voters should select me for the County Commission because Palm Beach County needs an experienced leader with proven impact who is ready to hit the ground running on day one to address the many complex issues facing the county. As an elected councilperson, my experience mirrors that of county commissioners. My opponent has little to no experience with many of the types of issues county commissioners deal with on a regular basis.My extensive community involvement and service on numerous boards and committees also distinguishes me as most qualified candidate. And I am opposed to building data centers near schools or residential areas.
Erica Whitfield, Democrat, District 2
Age: 48Hometown: Lake Worth Beach
Previous experience: Palm Beach County School Board member (2014–present); public health professional
Education: Master of Public Health, Emory University; B.S. in Health Science Education, University of Florida; EMT certification, Broward Community College
Employment history: School Board member, School District of Palm Beach County (2014–present)
Campaign priorities:
Growth & Development: Palm Beach County is growing rapidly and the decisions we make now will shape our community for decades. I will ensure every development decision prioritizes residents over developers, with infrastructure that keeps pace and a planning process that gives neighborhoods a real voice.Traffic & Infrastructure: Congestion is one of the top concerns I hear from residents across District 2, and it will only get worse without intentional investment. I will push for full implementation of the Transportation Master Plan, improved signal coordination, and transit solutions that reflect how people actually move through this county.Housing Affordability: If the teachers, nurses, and firefighters who serve Palm Beach County every day cannot afford to live here, we have a serious problem that requires serious action. I will pursue workforce housing solutions through public-private partnerships, strategic zoning, and housing trust programs that expand options without compromising neighborhood character.
Public Safety: Strong communities are built on strong public safety, and that starts with fully funding and supporting the people who protect us. I will prioritize competitive pay, improved recruitment and retention, and the emergency preparedness investments that keep District 2 residents safe.Property Taxes & Fiscal Responsibility: Every dollar county government spends belongs to the taxpayers, and they deserve to know it is being used wisely. I will conduct a thorough review of county spending, eliminate waste, pursue outside funding opportunities, and deliver the highest possible value for every dollar collected.
Specific areas of your district you would prioritize?
Increasing access to affordable housing for our most vulnerable populations has always been a top priority for me. The lack of stable housing creates a ripple effect of challenges for local children and families, affecting everything from health to educational outcomes.
As Commissioner, I will work with my colleagues to ensure housing funds are allocated wisely and that clear mechanisms are in place to measure and achieve meaningful results.My commitment to this issue comes from my experience with the School District, where I have seen firsthand the struggles faced by students experiencing homelessness. It is heartbreaking to witness children trying to succeed in school while coping with unstable living conditions. I am determined to translate that experience into policies and programs that provide real, lasting support for families in need.
Campaign website: ericawhitfield.com
Quotable: “Palm Beach County is growing rapidly and the decisions we make now will shape our community for decades.”
Why should voters choose you?
After a long and successful tenure as a School Board Member, and after building strong relationships with elected officials, business leaders, and community partners, I decided to run for the County Commission to continue serving Palm Beach County in a broader capacity. Public service has always been a deep-seated passion of mine, and my years on the School Board have given me a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our community.Voters should choose me because I am the candidate with the largest breadth of experience, the most working local partnerships, and leadership I have developed can help move our county forward. Serving on the Board of County Commissioners will allow me to expand the work I have done in education and apply it to the wider issues that impact our residents every day, from economic opportunity and infrastructure to public health and quality of life. I am committed to using my experience to deliver results and make a meaningful difference for the people of Palm Beach County.
Elizabeth Accomando, Republican, District 6
Age: 59
Hometown: Loxahatchee
Previous experience: Founder of Barky Pines Animal Rescue & Sanctuary; business owner; elected official (not specified)
Education: High school diploma
Employment history: Founder, Accomazing Inc.; founder and executive director, Barky Pines Animal Rescue & Sanctuary
Campaign priorities: If seeking re-election what priorities remain unfinished. (Limit 200 words)
Managed growth. Infrastructure. People over power and privilege. Affordability. Transparency
Specific areas of your district you would prioritize? Managed growth and affordability first and foremost
Campaign website: elizabethaccomando.com
Quotable: “People over power and privilege.”
Why should voters choose you? A county commissioner’s primary duty is to represent their constituents. When an incumbent drops out of a local race to run for Congress, only to reverse course days later when national political backing falls through, it signals that local office is a stepping stone rather than a true commitment.
I have spent years managing the actual nuts, bolts, and budgets of the local systems that keep homes safe and dry. I bring immediate executive, operational experience.
I am accessible, grounded, and running a campaign rooted in local trust rather than relying on national political endorsements to carry you across the finish line.
As noted to residents, voters care about rising costs, traffic, and overdevelopment — issues that are solved with hard work, not a circus. i do not waver on massive local issues — such as the controversial Project Tango data center and local development density expansions.
I have been a consistent, reliable voice listening to the community from day one, focusing on smart growth rather than reactionary politics.
Sara Baxter, Republican, District 6
Baxter did not respond to a questionnaire sent from The Post.
Katherine Waldron, Democrat, District 6
Age: 66Hometown: Wellington
Previous experience: Former Florida state representative (2022–2024); Palm Beach Port commissioner (2016–2022); business owner and consultant
Education: MBA, Palm Beach Atlantic University; B.A., University of Virginia
Employment history: Business owner, KW LLC (2016–2026); Florida House of Representatives (2022–2024); Palm Beach Port Commission (2016–2022)
Campaign priorities: My key priorities will be to focus on affordability − including housing, insurance, gas/food; reigning in overdevelopment; placing a moratorium on hyperscale AI data centers and traffic issues.
Specific areas of your district you would prioritize?
Residents in my district are concerned about overdevelopment, affordability and traffic, and most immediately, they are concerned about Project Tango.
With regard to overdevelopment: I will work to enact a more methodical andthoughtful process for approving/disapproving future developments. We need “smart “development” that seeks to mitigate a development’s impact on communities, including environmental impact, traffic impact and overall impact on a community’s quality of life, while also providing workforce housing.
With respect to affordability: I will expand SHIP housing funds and land-use tools to bring down home costs, push to lower the property-insurance premiums crushing families, and pursue responsible governance rather than driving up the everyday cost of living across our district.
With regard to traffic: I will work with all communities in my district to communicate the Countywide Transportation Master Plan (CTMP) to understand the impact of the Plan on their community– some communities are very afraid of the impact the CTMP will have on their communities. If needed, I will work to modify or adjust the CTMP to address any major issues.
With regard to Project Tango: I will prioritize a moratorium on AI Data Centers in our county — for many reasons, including the unknown environmental and water quality consequences, and the proximity to communities and schools.
Campaign website: votekw.com
Quotable: “Residents in my district are concerned about overdevelopment, affordability and traffic.”
Why should voters choose you? I have a long and strong history of being a community leader, I have state and local experience as an elected official and have always been fully engaged in my community. I will represent all residents and seek to give them a voice in our county process to help keep our quality of life − the reasons so many of us choose to live here.
Rudolph Tinker, Democrat, District 6
Age: 47Hometown: Loxahatchee
Previous experience: U.S. Army Reserve major; professor at Palm Beach State College; small business owner and general contractor; community volunteer
Education: Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology; graduate degrees in engineering management, project management, international relations, political science and criminal justice; LL.B. and LL.M.
Employment history: U.S. Army Reserve officer; owner, Vyder General Contractor; owner, RROSES LLC; professor, Palm Beach State College
Campaign priorities:
My priorities are simple: put residents first and make county government accountable again.
I will fight to slow overdevelopment until roads, drainage, and infrastructure can keep pace with growth. Traffic relief, flood mitigation, and long-overdue transportation improvements for our western communities will be a top priority.
I will work to lower the county property tax burden by cutting wasteful spending, increasing government efficiency, and protecting seniors and long-time homeowners from being taxed out of their homes. I will also reduce unnecessary bureaucracy so residents and small businesses can get permits faster and spend less time dealing with red tape.
Protecting our rural communities and preserving our agricultural lands is essential. Growth must respect the character of our neighborhoods, protect natural resources, and ensure developers pay their fair share of infrastructure costs.
Finally, I will bring transparency and accountability to county government. I will oppose special-interest politics, listen to residents, and make decisions based on what is best for District 6—not political insiders. My commitment is to deliver practical results, protect taxpayers, and ensure Palm Beach County remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Campaign website: rudolphtinker.com
Quotable: “My priorities are simple: put residents first and make county government accountable again.”
Why should voters choose you?
Voters should choose me because I offer something different: real-world experience, proven leadership, and complete independence from special interests.
I am not a career politician. I am a U.S. Army Reserve Major, Palm Beach State College professor, former public school teacher, licensed general contractor, small business owner, and longtime District 6 resident. For more than 27 years, I have lived in this community, raised my family here, owned a business here, and experienced the same challenges as the people I seek to represent.
I qualified for the ballot by petition, earning the support of more than 1,900 residents instead of simply writing a check. My campaign is powered by grassroots supporters—not developers, corporate PACs, or special interests. My only special interest is the people of District 6.
I have demonstrated that I will stand with residents when it matters most. I attended more than 90% of the public meetings and community events related to the proposed Project Tango data center, including the final three County Commission hearings. I stood shoulder to shoulder with residents, spoke against the project, and fought to protect our neighborhoods, our quality of life, and our rural way of life.
My campaign has earned the confidence of organizations that represent working families, educators, veterans, and organized labor. I am proud to be endorsed by the Palm Beach Classroom Teachers Association (CTA), AFL-CIO Palm Beach–Treasure Coast, SEIU Florida, Democrat Veteran Caucus of Florida, Emgage Action Florida, Vote Vets, along with numerous elected officials, community leaders, and veterans organizations. Also more than 17 local elected and former elected officials. These endorsements reflect a broad coalition of people who know my character, my work ethic, and my commitment to public service.
My career has been built on solving problems, managing budgets, leading teams, and delivering results. As a builder and project manager, I know how to turn plans into action. As a military officer, I understand leadership, accountability, and service before self. As an educator, I know the importance of listening, communicating, and preparing the next generation.
If elected, I will be accessible, transparent, and accountable. I will fight to protect taxpayers, improve infrastructure, preserve our rural communities, support public safety, and ensure that growth is responsible—not driven by politics or special interests. My promise is simple: I will put the people of Palm Beach County first, every decision, every time.
Mario Guzman, Democrat, District 6
Guzman did not respond to a questionnaire sent from The Post.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach Post voter guide for County Commission primary
Reporting by Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Palm Beach Post | USA TODAY Network
