Two candidates are running in this non-partisan race, which will appear on the August ballot for all Columbia County voters. Sara Carter is seeking re-election, facing Mark Pionessa.
Of note, judicial candidates in Florida are bound by Canon 7 of the Code of Judicial Conduct, which does place some limits on what they can say during a campaign, as compared to candidates for other offices.
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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.
Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4JAX staff.
| NON-PARTISAN CANDIDATES |
Sara J. Carter
Occupation: Columbia County Judge 2021-present
Age: 47
Family: Judge Carter is married to Dr. Travis Lanaux and they have two sons, George and Jack.
Education: 2000 B.S. Florida State University
2005 J.D. Florida Coastal School of Law
Political experience: (No answer)
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
(No answer)
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
(No answer)
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I hope to be remembered as a judge who served Columbia County with the same pride and dedication that my family has shown for generations. As a fifth-generation Columbia County native, this community isn’t just where I work - it’s home, and it’s an honor to serve the people who have given so much to my family over the years.
I want people to remember that every person who came into my courtroom was treated with fairness, dignity, and respect, and that I applied the law faithfully and impartially. If, after my time on the bench, the people of Columbia County have even greater confidence in their local courts because they know they will receive a fair hearing and be treated with integrity, then I’ll consider that my greatest accomplishment.
Campaign website: judgesaracarter.com
Campaign social media: Facebook
Mark Pionessa
Campaign website: pionessa4judge.com
Campaign social media: Facebook | Instagram
This candidate has not responded to email and telephone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.