Last week we reported that VoteWater’s endorsed candidates had done well in the Aug. 18 primary election, with four winning their respective races.

Make that five: Late last week Martin County officials confirmed that VoteWater-endorsed Campbell Rich, running for re-election to the Stuart City Commission, Group I, had won his race by 19 votes, out of 3,547 cast.

Rich’s win cemented a CLEAN SWEEP for VoteWater’s slate of endorsements.

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.

Stay tuned as VoteWater issues our endorsements for the Nov. 3 general election in the coming weeks.