Nick Maddox, Josh Johnson head to runoff in Leon County Commission at-large race

Leon County Commissioner Nick Maddox came out on top in Tuesday’s primary but didn’t win enough of the vote to avoid a runoff in November against Josh Johnson.

With all precincts reporting, Maddox led with 43.02% of the vote, with Johnson following in second place with 30.92%. Rudy Ferguson Sr., a pastor, came in third with 16.23%. Dominique “Nikki” Zumbo trailed in fourth with 9.83%.

Maddox, a former Florida State University and NFL football player, celebrated his victory at home with family. He said he appreciated the support of the voters and that it was clear that “negativity and mudslinging” depressed turnout.

LIVE RESULTS: Florida primary election 2022: See live results from Tallahassee, Leon County voters

“That said, I’m looking forward to a general election conversation focused on issues facing Leon County, like the increased cost of everyday goods and services like food, rent, and gas, violent crime, living wages, job creation, and affordable housing for our working class citizens,” he said in a text. “This election was a referendum on our people wanting to hear ideas and solutions to the challenges and opportunities in their lives not the desperate trading of political attacks of politicians.”

Johnson, a government teacher at Godby High School and small business owner, circulated Election Night at various campaign events, eventually landing at Warhorse Whiskey Bar on West Gaines Street, where City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow held his re-election party. Johnson won Matlow’s endorsement and highlighted it on mailers to voters.

“We are feeling highly confident, highly motivated,” Johnson said. “We see that in the primary we did exactly what we wanted to do, which was coalesce a base around issues. And in the general, we are going to plan the same way to expand that base by allowing (voters) to get to know me better, the issues better and my opponent better. This is when people start paying the most attention. This is when there aren’t so many personalities swirling that people are allowed and able to dial in and focus on what’s important.”

Maddox’s campaign focused on pledges to continue trying improve the quality of life in the county. He touted his work on affordable housing and violent crime — perennial issues in the community — and his leadership during the pandemic and Hurricane Michael.

He was among city and county commissioners who signed off on a controversial $27 million in Blueprint funds for Doak Campbell Stadium — a decision he supported that fueled opposition by Johnson and other local challengers.

Johnson, who was broadly aligned with anti-stadium forces, promised to “restore the public’s trust,” protect the environment and invest in small businesses.

The incumbent raised about $69,000, more than the combined haul of his three competitors. His biggest donors included TALCOR real estate and related firms and the Ghazvini family, prominent local developers. Johnson, who relied on smaller donations, raised $29,400. Both Maddox and Johnson electioneered mainly through mailers and radio ads.

Maddox was first elected in 2010, defeating long-serving incumbent Cliff Thaell. He won re-election in 2014 and 2018, the latter without opposition. Johnson ran for a Florida House seat in 2016 but lost in the primary to now-state Sen. Loranne Ausley, D-Tallahassee.

TICK TOCK OF THE NIGHT

9:38 p.m. update

The race for Leon County Commission at-large appears headed for a runoff between the incumbent, Nick Maddox, and his closest challenger, Josh Johnson.

With 124 of 136 precincts reporting, Maddox had 43.23% of the vote, Johnson had 30.96%, Rudy Ferguson Sr., had 16.03% and Dominique "Nikki" Zumbo had 9.78%.

One candidate has to get over half the vote to avoid a November runoff between the top two candidates.

Initial update:

Nick Maddox has taken an early lead in the race for Leon County Commission at-large, with challenger Josh Johnson in a solid second place.

Maddox, a three-term incumbent, had 42.19% of the vote, followed by Johnson with 32.52%, Rudy Ferguson Sr., with 15.16% and Dominique "Nikki" Zumbo with 10.14%.

One candidate must get over 50% to win the race and avoid a November runoff. 

LIVE RESULTS: Florida primary election 2022: See live results from Tallahassee, Leon County voters

The tally so far includes mail and early votes. No Election Day precincts are reporting yet.

Never miss a story:  Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Nick Maddox, Josh Johnson in runoff for Leon County Commission at-large seat