One incumbent was defeated, another is facing a runoff and three were re-elected in Tuesday’s judicial elections in Central Florida. Overall, there will be a lot of new judges on the bench in the circuit and county courts based on the results.
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In the 9th Circuit, which covers Orange and Osceola counties, Group 1 incumbent Mikaela Nix was not re-elected. Her two opponents, Temika Hampton-Johnson and Charles Hart, advanced to a runoff.
Hampton-Johnson, a private practice attorney and court-certified mediator and arbitrator, captured 44.1% of the vote. Hart, a member of the Federalist Society who has previously run for judge, finished second at 28.4%. Nix, who was elected in 2020, came in third at 27.5%. There were 1,982 votes separating Hart and Nix.
In the 9th Circuit’s Group 2, Christian Arguelles, who specializes in civil law, won the seat with 65% of the vote. Opponent Christie Lou Mitchell, who has a board certification in marital and family law, had 35%.
In the 9th Circuit’s Group 31, Kamilah Perry – executive director and general counsel for the circuit – defeated prosecutor Steve Kerestes, 59% to 41%.
In the 18th Circuit, which includes Seminole and Brevard counties, incumbent judge Robert Segal defeated Larry Freeman, 58% to 42% in the Group 4 race.
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Andrea Fant won the 18th Circuit’s Group 13 race against George Gaspard, 53% to 44%.
In Orange County judicial races, in Group 5, Asima Asam defeated Kafi Kennedy, 52% to 48%. Incumbent Cherish Adams beat challenger Joy Goodyear, 53% to 46% in Group 17.
In Seminole County judicial contests, one incumbent was re-elected and another reached a runoff.
Judge Sylvia Grunor defeated Nathan A. Skop 60% to 40% in Group 3.
In Group 6, Judge Wayne Culver, with 30% of the vote, advanced to a November runoff against Alena Chaban, who had 43%. A third candidate, Erik Swenk, had 27%.
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