Democratic incumbent Mary Alford was reelected as the next Alachua County Commissioner for District 1 over Republican Elizabeth Doebler.
Alford’s policy promises involve improving county roads and infrastructures, environmental policies and affordable housing. She was first elected to the commission in 2020 and serves on the Florida Association of Counties Health, Safety and Justice Policy Committee.
She previously worked as an environmental engineer and plans to use her background in sustainability to address issues within the county such as public safety, fire protection and road maintenance from both an environmental and financial standpoint.
Alford received over 5,500 more votes than Doebler across 13 precincts. She led with more than 60% of all votes.
“This has been the toughest election that I've had in terms of…dark money, there were ugly things around, and that made me sad, because I was born and raised here, and this isn't how Alachua county is,” Alford said. “I think it's probably made some communities stronger, and it's threatened others. I have really strong feelings about what you know we need to do for Alachua County, and am so grateful that the voters agree.”
One of the first issues Alford plans to address is climate disruption and resilience within the county. Furthermore, she plans to focus on both housing and child care.
“We are finishing up our climate vulnerability analysis, and we're announcing our climate plan and making it into policy,” Alford said. “Here in Alachua County, we only have 40% of kids under the age of five who have good quality childcare, and it's affecting the economy here in Alachua.”
Alford’s campaign was completely carbon neutral, where she emphasized her focus on prioritizing environmental issues for her next term.
Alford is supporting the Forward Focus program, a three-year initiative to address community needs within the Eastern part of Alachua County. The program focuses on improving infrastructure, community, quality of life and economic development. This includes “ensuring access to essential services like healthcare, education, broadband and transportation,” according to the Alachua County website.
Lizabeth Doebler, the opposing candidate for District 1, said she’s spent the night watching the race with her friends and family.
Doebler said “thanks a million” to all the Alachua County residents who voted for her, adding there is “no doubt” she will continue to stay active in local politics.
She said she hopes Alford will prioritize roads and infrastructure as she steps into her position.
“I love Alachua County,” she said. “I hope it continues to go forward.”
Over 150 visitors attended an election night watch party, hosted by Gainesville Women for Harris at the Heartwood Soundstage in downtown Gainesville. There were six Democratic candidates present, including Alford, complete with music, food, drinks and camaraderie.
Contact Julia Levi at jlevi@alligator.org. Follow her on X @julialevi55.
Contact Sara-James Ranta at sranta@alligator.org. Follow her on X @sarajamesranta.
Sara-James Ranta is a third-year journalism major, minoring in sociology of social justice and policy. Previously, she served as a general assignment reporter for The Alligator's university desk.
Julia Levi is a first year business student and the Alligator’s Fall 2024 Metro General Assignment reporter. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, and listening to music.
