ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The St. Johns County commissioner who represents downtown St. Augustine announced she is not seeking re-election.
Rachael Bennett cited personal reasons for her withdrawal from the race in November, but plans to finish out her current term. Bennett was elected in 2012 and served as commission chairwoman in 2014.
Recommended Videos
"I withdrew for completely personal reasons having to do with my family, my health and my future," Bennett told the St. Augustine Record after Tuesday's County Commission meeting. "It's been an honor to serve. I have nothing but good things to say about staff and administration and the office in general."
Bennett added that an investigation by the Florida Commission on Ethics into a complaint filed against her about 18 months ago had nothing to do with her decision to withdraw from the race. That investigation is almost complete and she told the newspaper that she will be cleared.
According to the St. Johns County Supervisor of Elections office, four others are seeking the seat: Dottie Acosta, Rose Bailey, Henry Dean and Jake Riley.
Bennett told News4Jax there is one candidate she likes in the race, but she's going to check with the county attorney to see if she is allowed to make an endorsement as a sitting commissioner.