Like all judicial elections in Florida, the race for Duval County Court Judge, Group 13 is non-partisan, open to all voters in the county. Since no candidate got more than 50% in the August primary, the top two vote-getters, Octavius Holliday, Jr. and Melina Buncome, advance to the November general election.
County court judges oversee a wide range of cases, including criminal cases (misdemeanor, county and municipal ordinances, traffic), civil cases (disputes over $8,000 to $50,000), landlord-tenant cases, small claims cases (disputes up to $8,000), and non-criminal traffic cases.
Recommended Videos
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.
News4JAX sent questionnaires to each candidate asking about their background and 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 |
Melina Buncome
Occupation: Assistant Public Defender 4th judicial circuit. Director of Problem Solving Court of the 4th Judicial Circuit/ Attorney
Age: N/A
Family: Extended family
Education: Education:
* Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law – Juris Doctor (JD)
* University of the Virgin Islands – Bachelor of Arts (BA)
* El Centro College – Associate of Arts (AA)
Political experience: N/A
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
The top three issues I aim to address are:
1. Judicial Efficiency and Fiscal Responsibility: I am committed to streamlining the judicial system to ensure cases move through the courts promptly. By increasing efficiency, we can better protect our community while reducing the burden on taxpayer resources.
2. Restoring Public Trust Through Active Engagement: A core priority of my campaign is ensuring that the community feels truly heard. I believe that an accessible and transparent court system is essential for maintaining public confidence in the rule of law.
3. Equitable and Individualized Justice: Every case that comes before the court involves unique circumstances. My approach is to meticulously evaluate the law, the specific facts of each case, and the individual appearing before me to ensure that every decision rendered is balanced, fair, and impartial.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
As the Director of Problem Solving Courts, I offer a unique perspective on justice that my opponents may lack. I understand firsthand how specialized programs can provide critical support for individuals struggling with mental health issues, substance abuse, and challenges related to military service. By effectively utilizing and expanding these problem-solving courts, we can address the root causes of recidivism, decrease crime rates, and significantly reduce the financial burden on our community. My goal is to transform our approach to public safety by prioritizing rehabilitation alongside accountability.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
My primary goal is to ensure true justice for all members of our community. By implementing a more equitable and transparent approach, I intend to strengthen the integrity of our judiciary, restore public trust, and ensure that every citizen is treated with fairness and impartiality under the law.
Campaign website: buncomeforjudge.com
Campaign social media: Facebook | Instagram
Octavius A. Holliday, Jr.
Occupation: Assistant State Attorney, State Attorney’s Office, Director of the Human Rights Division (Elder Abuse & Hate Crimes Prosecution)
Age: 54
Family: Married to Hui Min Holliday, a Duval County Schools Assistant Principal.
Biological Father of two sets of twins
(32 year old Darius Holliday, Houston, TX Attorney, 32 year old Courtney Holliday Boyd, Chicago, IL Social Worker, 26 year old Olivia Holliday, Jacksonville, FL future pharmacist, and 26 year old Madison Holliday, Tallahassee, FL medical tech.)
Father of three bonus children who attend Duval County Public Schools and one granddaughter.
Education: 2002, University of Florida College of Law, Gainesville, FL, Juris Doctor
1995, Duke University, Durham, NC, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
1990 Lyman High School, Longwood, FL
Political experience: None
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
1. Being fair and balanced. I am the only candidate with experience as both a prosecutor and as a criminal defense attorney. I have a stellar reputation of being a firm, but fair prosecutor and that will continue when I am elected to the bench.
2. Familiarity with the type of cases over which this position will preside. I have extensive experience in criminal law and when I was the sole proprietor of a law firm for five years, I handled small claims and landlord tenant actions. The people deserve a judge that has experience prior to taking the bench.
3. Commitment to the community. County Court Judge is nicknamed ”The People’s Judge.“ I have shown my commitment to mentoring and volunteering in Jacksonville for over twenty years through serving on the Jacksonville Journey Board, serving on the Elder Abuse Fatality Review Team, serving on the Jacksonville Urban League Youth Crime Reduction Initiative, by volunteering at the Police Athletic League, and committing time and effort into several more non-profits throughout the city. My commitment to Jacksonville will continue with the same energetic devotion after taking the bench.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I can help voters by being being experienced in criminal law on day one (jury selection, jury trials, criminal rules of procedure, rules of evidence, and post conviction matters) as well as having vast experience in prosecution and criminal defense which brings immediate balance and fairness to the bench.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I would like to be remembered for continuing the high level of ethics and standards for which the 4th Judicial Circuit Bench is known and for never letting outside influences or politics interfere with my steadfast commitment to always strive to do what is fair and just in every case.
Campaign website: www.votehollidayforjudge.com