Just because Jerry Holland transitioned July 1 from being Duval County’s supervisor of elections to property appraiser, it doesn’t mean he no longer wants to be involved in electing candidates.
In fact, he might be more involved after putting himself in the running for chairman of the Republican Party of Duval County. The seat was vacated last week when Robin Lumb resigned after being named director of policy by Mayor Lenny Curry.
Holland said he was motivated to seek the chairmanship in part due to what he called a “big leadership gap” in the local GOP organization.
In addition to Lumb’s resignation, Curry resigned as the county’s state committeeman when he was elected mayor and former party secretary Bill Spann resigned when Curry appointed him city director of public affairs. Local party treasurer Alexander Pantinakis is running for state committeeman to replace Curry.
Holland said he has attended the local party’s functions for years, but while he was supervisor of elections, he limited his involvement in the effort to elect Republicans to avoid any perceived conflict of interest.
Another factor in his decision, Holland said, is the 2016 election for president as well as seats in Congress and the state Legislature.
“It’s an important time to have experienced leadership in the party,” said Holland.
Support from fellow Republicans also encouraged his candidacy.
“Quite a few people called and asked me to seek the chairmanship,” Holland said. “If the membership wants me, it would be an honor.”
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