Incumbent Sammie Martin retains council seat in Rockledge race with partisan support
Incumbent Rockledge city councilwoman Sammie Brown Martin edged out a victory against challenger Josiah Gattle Tuesday. Martin won 50.3% of the vote to Gattle's 49.7% of the vote. According to the Brevard County Supervisor of Elections office, 4,453 Rockledge voters turned out for Tuesday's election.
Although local elections are non-partisan, both candidates had the backing of their respective parties. Martin is a Democrat and Gattle a Republican.
"I anticipated a larger lead, but a win is a win and I'm excited and grateful to be able to serve another term," Martin said when reached for comment Tuesday evening. "Although it has always been non-partisan, parties do get involved. However, people showed that they chose the best candidate based on accountability and integrity. That's what I've proven for the last six years," Martin said.
Brevard Republican Executive Committee chairman Rick Lacey said that overall Republicans had a good day in the county but he was "disappointed" with the results in Rockledge.
As of Oct. 1 this year, council members earn $7,200 annually and mayor earns $8,400 annually.
Rockledge City Council terms are three years without term limits.
Mayor Thomas Price Jr. and Seat 4 Councilman Frank Forester were both unopposed for reelection this year.
Next year, Rockledge will hold elections for Seats 5 and 6, with elections being held in 2025 for Seats 1 and 2 before the cycle repeats the year after.
Tyler Vazquez is the North Brevard and Brevard County Government Watchdog Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Vazquez at 321-480-0854 or tvazquez@floridatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Incumbent Sammie Martin retains Rockledge City Council seat
