Sheriff TK Waters Filed for Re-election

The Jacksonville incumbent has officially launched his campaign for another term in office.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Elections

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Jacksonville Sheriff TK Waters has filed official paperwork to run for re-election. He enters the upcoming cycle alongside no-party candidate Donzalo Solomon.

Why it matters

The race for Jacksonville sheriff shapes local law enforcement priorities and public safety leadership. The incumbent has stated his intention to finish the work he started upon taking office.

Official filings confirm Sheriff TK Waters is seeking re-election after first winning the seat in 2022. He currently serves as the third consecutive Republican sheriff in Jacksonville history.

The players

TK Waters

He is the current sheriff of Jacksonville and the second Black person to hold the office in the city's history.

Donzalo Solomon

He is a candidate who has filed to run for the office of Jacksonville sheriff as a no-party participant.

Mike Williams

He is a former sheriff of Jacksonville whose resignation led to the 2022 special election.

The details

Sheriff Waters originally secured his position following the resignation of Mike Williams, later running unopposed in the 2023 general election. Donzalo Solomon has also entered the contest as a no-party candidate.

TK Waters won a special election for Sheriff in 2022.
The sheriff won an unopposed general election in 2023.
TK Waters officially filed for re-election on October 1, 2026.

Political Context

This election cycle follows the precedent set by the 2022 Jacksonville sheriff special election, which occurred after the resignation of Mike Williams. While the incumbent maintains support, opposition may emphasize different priorities for the department than those set by the current administration.

Residents will see a shift in local campaign activity as candidates begin their official bids for the sheriff's office. This election determines the leadership and policy direction for the city's primary law enforcement agency.

The takeaway

The upcoming race tests the incumbent's mandate following an unopposed run in 2023. Voters will decide if the current leadership remains the best choice for managing city public safety operations.