The current District 4 commissioner, Democrat Ken Cornell, is seeking re-election. The only other candidate in the race is Dewayne Baines, running with no party affiliation. As they are the only candidates in the race, it will only appear on the ballot for voters in the general election in November.
News4JAX sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote in their own words.
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Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically by party and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4JAX staff.
| DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE |
Ken Cornell
Occupation: Alachua County Commissioner (currently serving in my 3rd term) & Real Estate Broker Associate. I am also a Certified Public Accountant.
Age: 57
Family: I have been married to the love of my life, Angela for 36 years. We have two amazing son’s Connor who is 33 and married to Taylor and Christopher who is 31 and married to Whitney. Over the last two years our family expanded, Caleb James and John Parker were born and they are the two greatest grand babies in the whole wide world! We are also blessed to have two Labradoodles, Angel and Rexx and a 14 year old rescue kitty named Scrabble!
Education: Masters Degree from the University of Florida’s Fisher School of Accounting
Political experience: 11 1/2 years as a County Commissioner
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Infrastructure & Roads
We’ve made historic investments in repairing and upgrading roads, improving stormwater systems and modernizing our infrastructure, and we will continue on this progress.
Fiscal Responsibility
By balancing budgets, practicing sound planning and keeping reserves in place, we’ve maintained strong financial footing while expanding services where they’re needed most.
Environmental Protection
We’ve preserved thousands of acres of rural lands, improved water quality and are advancing circular economy strategies to reduce waste and emissions.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I bring experience, strong values and a proven commitment to protecting our community.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I’m proud of the real progress we’ve made. From historic investments in infrastructure and protecting rural lands to strengthening our fiscal position, I’m running again to build on that momentum.
Campaign website: Cornell2026.com
Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram
| NO PARTY AFFILIATION CANDIDATE |
Dewayne Baines
Occupation: Social worker
Age: 47
Family: (No answer)
Education: Master of Social Worker
Political experience: Students Government finance chair
Land Conservation board
Rual Concern citizens board
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
The top three issues facing Alachua County are income/infrastructure inequality (particularly in East Gainesville), affordable housing, and environmental/climate resilience.
Addressing these requires community-focused strategies:Economic & Infrastructure Disparities: Tackle massive income disparities by accelerating the county’s Forward Focus economic development plan.
This involves increasing job opportunities and essential services in East Gainesville to eliminate USDA-defined food deserts.
Affordable & Workforce Housing: Utilize the county’s Affordable Housing Trust to fund transitional housing and financial assistance. Align land-use policies with public-private partnerships to increase permanent supportive housing for high-need populations.
Environmental & Climate Resilience: Implement the Climate Action Plan, utilizing the Wild Spaces/Public Places Infrastructure Surtax to protect ecologically functional corridors and expand safe public recreation areas.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
Im running to make positive changes for the community, like grocery stores, supporting small business, fixing our roads, managing the county budget
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
Someone who supports the whole community not just some, bringing resources to the community and bringing unity to the county.
Campaign website: dewayne4community2026.com
Campaign social media: Facebook