Christy Chong Retains Flagler School Board Seat

Christy Chong won the Flagler School Board election for District 4 on Tuesday, earning a second term in the seat she’s held since 2022. She defeated Trevor Tucker, the three-term former member whom she ousted from office four years ago. “Thank you Flagler County. I am humbled and grateful, and look forward to continuing to serve our schools and community,” Chong said in a statement Tuesday. “It’s been quite the year, but I’m going forward with a renewed focus on our schools and what’s ahead. I am incredibly grateful and excited for the future. Thank you to everyone that came out to vote and for your faith in me. Flagler forward.” District 4 was the only one of three 2026 School Board races which advanced to a runoff. In the August primary only two candidates each filed for District 1 and 2. Cathy Moon defeated former School Board Member Jill Woolbright in the former, while Rob Wood unseated incumbent Vice Chair Will Furry in the latter. With Chong’s victory, she becomes the first incumbent Flagler School Board member to retain their seat since Colleen Conklin in 2020. When the three new members take office later this year, Chong will be the longest-serving member at four years. Janie Ruddy and Lauren Ramirez were both elected in 2024, while Moon and Wood will be new to their roles. Christy Chong campaigned closely alongside Will Furry and Jill Woolbright leading up to the primaries, as she did in the 2022 cycle. Though she and Furry did not vote in absolute lockstep, they shared many points of ideology and were often regarded reliable votes in one another’s favor. Both were endorsed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022. Tucker, meanwhile, said Tuesday that he campaigned harder to regain his seat than he ever has in his previous four elections. The former School Board chair makes no secret that he doesn’t revel in political campaigning, but made a point to strengthen his efforts facing an opponent who’s already beaten him once. As the results came in, it became clear that Chong would win the rematch. “Always a little disappointed but congratulations to Christy,” Tucker said. “She ran a fair race so congratulations to her. Hopefully the district will move forward.” Tucker said he wasn’t yet sure if he would run again when the seat is next available. Trevor Tucker, Cathy Moon, and Rob Wood will join current members Janie Ruddy and Lauren Ramirez in the coming weeks in a swearing-in ceremony. The School Board will have five members for the first time since Derek Barrs resigned to join President Donald Trump’s Department of Transportation in late 2025. Flagler School Board, District 4 Christy Chong – 50.92% – 27,667 – WINNER Trevor Tucker – 49.08% – 26,671