Our 2026 Primary Election Endorsements
Local elections have an immediate effect on our taxes, schools, traffic, environment, and quality of life. Our endorsements are based on the candidates’ records, independence, preparation, and willingness to put the public ahead of political insiders and special interests.
Martin County Commission
District 2: Christopher “Doc” Collins
Christopher Collins is a force to be reckoned with.
His no-nonsense approach to slowing overdevelopment, questioning unnecessary spending, and challenging the assumptions of county staff is something many elected officials promise but rarely deliver. Collins does not merely talk about accountability; he demands it.
Susan O’Rourke entered the contest at the last minute, and her candidacy appears to be defined primarily by opposition to Collins. Wanting to defeat an incumbent is not, by itself, a governing agenda. Neither challenger has made a persuasive case that Martin County would be better served by replacing Collins.
Collins asks difficult questions, stands his ground, and follows through. He gets things done. Period.
Our endorsement goes to Christopher “Doc” Collins.
District 4: John Dial
Sarah Heard has served on the County Commission for nearly 24 years. Experience has value, but public office should never become a lifetime entitlement. After almost a quarter-century, we believe it is time to pass the baton.
John Dial is energized, prepared, and immersed in county governance. He has done the work necessary to understand the issues and has demonstrated the commitment required to become an effective commissioner. He offers District 4 a fresh perspective without ignoring the principles that make Martin County different.
John “Kaz” Kazanjian’s candidacy must just be political maneuvering intended to affect the outcome between Heard and Dial. Whatever his intentions, voters should reject campaigns that seem more concerned with electoral arithmetic than public service.
District 4 needs renewed energy, serious preparation, and a commissioner focused on Martin County’s future.
Our endorsement goes to John Dial.
Martin County School Board
Results should matter more than political rhetoric.
The current School Board has helped guide Martin County through a period of measurable academic progress. For 2026, the Florida Department of Education gave Martin County an A district rating.
Incumbents Christia Li Roberts, Jen Russell, and Amy B. Pritchett have also earned the Florida School Boards Association’s Advanced Certified Board Member designation. Replacing proven leadership during a period of demonstrated success would require a compelling reason. Their challengers have not provided one.
No persuasive case has been made that the district would benefit from changing direction.
Our endorsements go to the Incumbents
City of Stuart Commission
Group I: Will Laughlin
Campbell Rich may be the greatest disappointment among the incumbents. He campaigned as a slow-growth candidate, but his record has not lived up to that promise. Rich often sounds like a broken record when defending the establishment and can become unnecessarily hostile toward commissioners who disagree with him.
Will Laughlin has demonstrated a more thoughtful and independent approach through his service on the Community Redevelopment Agency. He studies the facts, analyzes proposals on their merits, and does not appear easily swayed by outside pressure.
Our endorsement goes to Will Laughlin.
Group III: Derreck Ogden
In our view, Merritt Matheson represents the same political and development establishment long associated with the Chamber of Commerce. Voters looking for an independent voice and a change in direction are unlikely to find it in Matheson.
Derreck Ogden offers Stuart a better alternative. He represents an opportunity for new leadership, greater independence, and a commission less beholden to the same circle of influence.
Our endorsement goes to Derreck Ogden.
Group V: Not Eula Clarke
Stuart voters approved commission term limits on August 18, 2020, establishing four-year terms and a 12-year limit. Eula Clarke remains eligible, as the ordinance states the 12-year count started after the 2022 election; her service before 2022, from January 2011, does not count. She could serve until 2034, nearly 24 years on the commission despite the 12-year limit. Clarke seconded the motion, voted for the ordinance, yet she continues to run.
Eula Clarke could not commit to attending the public forum without first seeking guidance from “her people.” Elected officials certainly may consult advisers, but voters should expect a candidate seeking another term to understand the issues and make decisions for themselves.
Leadership requires more than repeating an answer supplied by someone else. It requires knowledge, judgment, and the confidence to make decisions.
We cannot recommend Eula Clarke for reelection.
Voters should choose responsibly between Kylie Micciche and Dayne Oldenborg.
We Care Martin election poll
We polled over 300 people in the past month
We did not include the undecided, which can skew these percentages
