2 of 3 Volusia County Council Incumbents Lose, Miller Wins At-Large

The Volusia County Council held its general elections on Tuesday, with two of the three incumbents seeking re-election losing their bids. Meanwhile, Nancy J. Miller won the At-Large seat, inheriting it from Jake Johansson after he opted to run for the state legislature. District 1 The County Council’s District 1 race was the least competitive of the four that appeared on the ballot. Wendy Anderson unseated incumbent Don Dempsey, securing almost three-fifths of the vote. “Thank you to everybody who came out and voted today or during early voting or vote-by-mail!” Anderson said. “I’m ready to serve Volusia!” “Congratulations to Wendy Anderson on her win for the Volusia County council district 1 seat,” Dempsey added. “Thanks to everyone who supported me in this election.” Volusia County Council, District 1 Wendy Anderson – 59.24% – 24,767 – WINNER Don Dempsey (i) – 40.76% – 17,040 District 3 The one incumbent Council member to keep his seat was District 3’s Danny Robins, who held off challenger Bryon White in one of the most watched races in the county. Robins secured 53.14%, pacing White by just over three thousand votes. “It’s an honor to serve District 3 on the Volusia County Council, and I’m grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me,” Robins said. “To my family, thank you for standing by me through the long days and late nights. To our volunteers and supporters, thank you for knocking on doors, making calls, putting up signs, and giving your time. And to everyone who came out to vote, thank you for making your voice heard. However you voted, I’m here to serve you. I’ll keep listening, showing up, and working hard for the people of Volusia County.” “I believe we moved that mission forward,” White said. “Two of the four County Council seats were won by candidates committed to limiting sprawl and protecting our environment. I congratulate them, and I consider that a win for our community. To our incredible volunteers, supporters, and voters: thank you for taking an idea and building it into something real. You gave your time, your energy, and your voices because you believed our community deserves better.” Volusia County Council, District 3 Danny Robins (i) – 53.14% – 26,388 – WINNER Bryon White – 46.86% – 23,274 District 5 By far the closest of the County Council races was District 5. J. David Sosa, a former Deltona City Commission member, unseated incumbent David Santiago by just over 500 votes out of over 36,000. Sosa captured 50.70% of the vote to Santiago’s 49.30%, amounting to a margin of just over a percentage point. “THANK YOU, Deltona, DeBary, and all Volusia County residents,” Sosa posted to social media. “Tonight, you made history. Residents and small businesses in Deltona and DeBary showed up, spoke up, and voted. We were outraised by about $40,000. But money doesn’t vote. People do. You stood up for flooding solutions, responsible growth, and a government that listens.” “Thank you to everyone who showed up, supported, and took the time to vote,” Santiago said. “It has truly been an honor serving this community. I’m grateful for the opportunity, the relationships built along the way, and the trust you’ve placed in me. Thank you, Volusia County, for allowing me to serve you.” Volusia County Council, District 5 David Santiago (i) – 49.30% – 18,106 J. David Sosa – 50.70% – 18,622 – WINNER At-Large In the County Council’s At-Large race, Nancy J. Miller enjoyed a comfortable victory over Mike Poniatowski. She secured 118,007 votes, the most of any local candidate on the 2026 general election ballot. Poniatowski amassed an impressive 90,097 votes, but it wasn’t enough to win the Council’s one open seat. “Congratulations to Nancy Miller, Volusia County’s newest County Council At-Large member,” Poniatkowski wrote. “Congratulations to David Sosa and Wendy Anderson as well! No regrets! Thank you, Volusia County, for coming out to vote! 90,097 voters liked our message and the plans we had for our growing county! “That’s an amazing result and for that I thank you. It’s time to get behind the council who will have three new members come January and with God’s guidance they will work to make Volusia County a better place to live! Thank you to all our volunteers who worked tirelessly on our effort, day in and day out since the beginning of 2025! Thank you to my family who have sacrificed much as we ran this marathon. We had a great turnout overall and for that we all can be proud! Thank you!” Volusia County Council At-Large Nancy J. Miller – 56.71% – 118,007 – WINNER Mike Poniatowski – 43.29% – 90,097