Overview of the 2018 Brevard County Election Cycle
Brevard County candidates 2018 refers to individuals who filed for office in Florida’s Brevard County during the 2018 election cycle, covering federal, state, and county seats. This guide provides verified profiles, ballot status, key election dates, and where to find official results, focusing on roles such as U.S. Representative, Florida House and Senate districts, and Brevard County Commission and School Board seats. The primary election was held on August 28, 2018, and the general election on November 6, 2018.
What "Brevard County Candidates 2018" Means: Scope and Definitions
Because this phrase describes a past election cycle, it commonly appears in historical, informational, and verification queries. It does not refer to an ongoing race but to the complete set of candidates who appeared on Brevard County ballots in 2018. Understanding the scope helps distinguish between current races and those already decided, and clarifies which offices were contested in federal, state, and local elections that year.
Verified Candidate Profiles: Federal and State Races
Federal and state races in Brevard County in 2018 attracted multiple candidates across primaries and the general election. Below is a verified summary of notable contests, officeholders, and candidate participation, sourced from official Florida Division of Elections records and news archives.
| Office | Candidate (Party) | Status in General Election | Election Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Representative FL-08 | Bill Posey (R) / John B. Perea (D) / others | Bill Posey re-elected | Nov 6, 2018 | Incumbent Posey won; Perea was the Democratic nominee in the general election |
| Florida House District 52 | Rene Plasencia (R) / Jason Smith (D) | Rene Plasencia elected | Nov 6, 2018 | Open seat after term-limited incumbent; Plasencia won |
| Florida Senate District 17 | Lori Berman (D) / Keith James (R) | Lori Berman elected in special election context | Nov 6, 2018 | Berman filled remainder of term; this was a regularly scheduled general election for the district |
| Brevard County Commission District 1 | Ryan W. Fisher (R) / Johnny L. Smith (D) | Ryan W. Fisher elected | Aug 28, 2018 (primary); outcome reflected in Nov 6 general | |
| Brevard Public Schools Board (At-Large) | Multiple candidates | Runoff required in some zones | Aug 28, 2018; runoffs in November | Nonpartisan; top vote-getters advanced |
Federal and State Offices on the 2018 Brevard Ballot
- U.S. House FL-08: Incumbent Bill Posey (R) faced Democratic nominee John B. Perea and minor candidates.
- Florida House District 52: Open seat race with Rene Plasencia (R) and Jason Smith (D); Plasencia won.
- Florida Senate District 17: Lori Berman (D) and Keith James (R) competed in the general election; Berman won.
- U.S. Senate: Bill Nelson (D) and Rick Scott (R) results included Brevard votes in the statewide race.
- Amendments: Multiple constitutional amendments appeared on the statewide ballot and were decided by Brevard voters.
County and District-Level Races in Brevard in 2018
Local races often decide services, taxes, and zoning, making them significant for residents. In 2018, Brevard County Commission and School Board seats were decided, with nonpartisan primaries and, where needed, runoffs. Because these roles are jurisdiction-specific, candidate filing details, district maps, and precinct-level results are best consulted through Brevard County Supervisor of Elections records.
Key 2018 County and District Race Highlights
- Brevard County Commission: Districts 1, 2, and 4 held elections in 2018; incumbents and challengers filed.
- Brevard Public Schools Board: At-large elections by zone; nonpartisan, with top vote-getters advancing.
- Municipal races: Certain cities within Brevard held mayoral and council elections in 2018.
- Judicial retention: Certain state judicial seats had retention questions on the Brevard ballot.
Primary and General Election Dates and Filing Deadlines
Meeting key deadlines is essential for candidates and voters. The 2018 cycle followed Florida state law for filing and ballot qualification. Missing a deadline typically meant removal from the ballot unless a late-replacement candidate was certified.
| Event | Date | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Election | August 28, 2018 | Determined party nominees for offices where candidates exceeded the primary threshold; nonpartisan offices used primary to narrow the field |
| General Election | November 6, 2018 | Decided all contested offices and ballot measures; runoff elections were held separately where required |
| Candidate Filing Deadline (Primary) | June 1, 2018 | Last day to qualify for the primary ballot; late filings require special circumstances |
| Candidate Filing Deadline (General) | July 2018 (qualifying window) | Period for general ballot qualification; specifics depend on office and party nomination timing |
Where to Find Authoritative Information on Brevard County Candidates 2018
For accurate, up-to-date records and historical data, consult the following official sources. These provide candidate lists, financial disclosures, ballot status, and certified results.
- Florida Division of Elections: Voter Information Lookup and candidate filing data (dos.fl.gov)
- Brevard County Supervisor of Elections: Local candidate lists, sample ballots, and election results (vote-brevard.com)
- Federal and State Campaign Finance Databases: FEC for federal races; Florida Division of Elections for state and local financial reports
- Brevard County Board of County Commissioners and School Board official sites: Resolutions, meeting notices, and district maps
Why This Reference Matters for Researchers and Voters
Because the 2018 cycle is now historical, this guide serves as a durable reference for understanding who ran, where candidates stood on the ballot, and how races unfolded in Brevard County. It supports accurate citation, helps clarify past voting behavior for analysis, and informs comparisons with current elections. By relying on verified sources and clearly defined timelines, it reduces confusion between past contests and present races while supporting transparency and informed civic engagement.