Primary Election – Tuesday, August 18, 2026

General/Runoff Election – Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Should there be more than two (2) qualifying candidates for a given Council seat, then a primary election will be held on August 18, 2026.  The two (2) primary candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be the candidates in the general election.  The candidate receiving the highest number of votes in the general election shall be declared elected to the office for which he or she was a candidate.

In the event there are fewer than three (3) qualifying candidates for a given Council seat, their names will not appear on the primary election ballot, but they will appear on the general election ballot. If a candidate for Mayor or for a given Council seat receives more than fifty percent (50%) of the vote in a primary election, then said candidate shall be declared elected to the office and no names shall appear on the general election ballot.

Offices Open –      City Council Seat 4 – currently held by Kenny Johnson
                                City Council Seat 5 – currently held by Mike Jaffe

Term of Office –    Four (4) years 

The qualifying period begins on Monday, June 8, 2026, at noon; and ends on June 12, 2026, at noon.  

To qualify as a candidate in the Primary/General elections, you will need to complete all forms as reflected on the ‘City Council Candidate Qualifying Checklist’ (located in the 2026 Candidate Qualifying Packet link below), in addition to payment of the qualifying fee.  All forms, and qualifying fee, must be filed with the Office of the City Clerk (documents may be submitted in person, via USPS or via email) during the qualifying period.  All signatures must be original; digital signatures are not accepted.

PLEASE NOTE: You have the opportunity to pre-submit your qualifying paperwork early! Pursuant to Section 99.061(8), Florida Statutes, you may submit your qualifying papers no earlier than fourteen (14) days prior to the qualifying period – MAY 26, 2026 (offices are closed on Monday, May 25^th, due to the holiday so you cannot physically submit paperwork). If desired, my office will accept and hold your paperwork, but it will not be processed and filed until the qualifying period.

2026 Candidate Qualifying Packet

Contact the City Clerk’s Office for additional information at (321) 952-3414.

Political Signs - Registration for Non-City Candidates

All candidates and political committees (PC) erecting signs within the city must register with the Office of the City Clerk.  Please complete the Political and Campaign Sign Registration form and click on the 'Submit by Email' button. 

Please adhere to the rules and regulations for placement of your political or campaign signs.

NOTE:  Pursuant to Section 178.13, Palm Bay Code of Ordinances, signs of any type may not be erected upon property owned by the City.  HOWEVER, signs shall be permitted on City property during early voting only at Tony Rosa Community Center and Fred Poppe Regional Park (do not have to be removed each day) and on election day only.  Signs must be removed within 24 hours after early voting and election day. Any signs found in violation shall be removed by the City without notification to the candidates.