2026 PRIMARY ELECTION: Willie Williams elected to represent Zone 5 in Daytona Beach

In Zone 3, incumbent Quanita May and challenger Steve Miller will head to a runoff in November.

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Willie Williams won the Daytona Beach Zone 5 commissioner seat with 60.36% of the vote. 

“I am so humbled and overjoyed and grateful and thankful and excited," Williams said. 

Williams is a retired Volusia County Schools educator who is no stranger to running for Daytona Beach City Commission. He said his race to become a City Commissioner has come full circle. 

“I ran for City Commissioner 10 years ago when I was the proud principal of Westside Elementary," Williams said. "I lost to Dannette Henry. When I found out that Commissioner Henry was not running again. I knew it was my time to run again.”

After his initial loss, Williams continued his work in education and retired over a year ago after a 32-year career. 

“I had a proven record in the community, proven trust in the community, and for me it was the right time to go again," he said.

Williams said that the work is just beginning. His message to voters?

“Thank you," he said. "Thank you! Thank you! I’m so grateful. Thank you so much for your trust in me. Now I need your help as we build together to make not only zone 5, but Daytona Beach the best it can be.”


Zone 3 heads to runoff

Incumbent City Commissioner Quanita May and challenger Steve Miller are headed to a runoff election in November for the Zone 3 seat. Miller received the most votes having received 41.89% of the vote, while May received 37.64%. Christos Mavronas received 20.47% of the vote. 

“I’m having the time of my life right now,” Miller said. “I’m excited right now that we were able to do 41% without the students. In the November runoff, we will have a lot of students — 2,000 on campus — that will be able to vote in Zone 3.” 

Miller is an alumnus of Bethune-Cookman University and Florida State University. He took his accounting classes at B-CU and has owned a tax consulting and accounting practice in Daytona Beach for several years. 

“I’m here and I consider myself the people’s choice and I’m looking forward to November the 3rd,” Miller said.  

Miller is excited about the next few months. 

“I’m looking forward to shaking hands, kissing babies, and letting the neighbors know that I’m here and I’m serious about representing them,” Miller said. “I think they need representation. For so long, Zone 3 hasn’t had a representative.”

May has been in office for two terms and said she enjoys the responsibility and working with the people in Zone 3. 

“It’s exhilarating. It’s exciting. You really get to know the people you live with,” May said. “We have some wonderful people in Zone 3, including the new people in the zone who have joined us in the expansion.” 

It's not the first time May has gone to a runoff election for her seat. That's how she was elected for her first time in office. 

“This evening is an evening of reflection and repose, calling people and thanking them for their support,” May said. “And, letting them know that now we have to get ready for the real race. The real race has two people in it and now we have to get our energy back up and go at it one more time.” 

May said that campaigning is important, but is not her most important job right now. 

“Keep in mind I am an existing City Commissioner,” May said.  “My primary role is to oversee what’s going on at the city, help constituents on a daily and regular basis, as well as campaign at the same time. Call me up. I would love to speak with you. I would love to engage with you. I would love for you to walk with me, come and meet the rest of Zone 3 with me.”

The general election will be held Tuesday, November 3. 

 

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