A political newcomer is seeking to serve the city of Palatka and unseat the two-term incumbent in the process.
On Wednesday, Palatka resident Vito Russo filed his intent to run for the Group 1 seat on the Palatka City Commission, according to the Putnam County Supervisor of Elections Office. As of Friday, Russo’s only opponent for the nonpartisan position is Commissioner Tammie McCaskill.
According to the Elections Office website, this is Russo’s first time seeking elected office in Putnam County. Meanwhile, his opponent was first elected into office in 2016 and was reelected in 2020.
If no other Group 1 candidates are in the running after qualifying ends in June, Russo and McCaskill will face off in the Nov. 5 general election.
If there are three or more candidates, they will compete in the Aug. 20 primary, where the two candidates with the most votes will face off in November if no one receives 50% of the vote plus at least one additional vote.
For more election information, contact the Elections Office at 386-329-0224 or soe.putnam-fl.com.