It’s official: Stuart City Commissioner Campbell Rich won re-election in Tuesday’s primary by a mere 19 votes – 18 would have triggered an automatic recount – and he becomes the fifth of VoteWater’s five endorsed candidates to win his primary contest.

Other winning/endorsed candidates are Amanda Cochran, Lee County Commissioner District 5; Christopher Collins, Martin County Commissioner District 2; Sarah Heard, Martin County Commissioner District 4; and Merritt Matheson, Stuart City Commissioner Group III.

Congratulations both to the winners and those who opposed them, who in many cases ran strong campaigns; and thanks in particular to all who voted. Statewide, voter turnout was 25% – better than 2022 but worse than 2024.

And the close vote tally in Campbell Rich’s race proves yet again that every vote matters.

Florida’s general election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3