All registered voters in Okaloosa County vote for the candidate they want in all five districts, regardless of where they live in Okaloosa County.
The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners plays a crucial role in the governance and administration of Okaloosa County. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of duties aimed at ensuring the efficient functioning and well-being of the community.
The five elected Commissioners must live in the geographic area they represent on the Board of County Commissioners. Three County Commission Districts represent parts of Eglin Air Force Base, Niceville and Valparaiso.
People who live on Eglin Air Force Base are represented by someone who lives in County Commission District 2 – which represents the eastern part of Greater Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island as well.
Niceville west of State Route 285 and all of Valparaiso are represented by someone who lives in District Three, which also includes western Crestview and and parts of Fort Walton Beach.
Finally, Bluewater Bay and eastern Niceville are in District 5, which also includes Destin.
The City of Valpraiso uses what is called the Galveston Plan of city government. In this system, commissioners are elected to serve on the city commission. This form of government involves electing commissioners based on their representation of the city as a whole rather than specific districts or wards. That means anyone can run for any commission seat. Commissioners are assigned portfolios by the mayor and include different departments, initiatives, or intergovernmental boards and committees.
Ed Crosby served in the United States Military.
Mayor Brent Smith won election first in 2018 and re-election in 2022. He is a local contractor.
Commissioner Tom Browning is a lifelong resident of Valparaiso.
Commissioner Kay Hamilton is a local general contractor and University of Texas - Austin graduate.
Commissioner Christine Wasdin is a retired Air Force Officer.