A month remains before the end of qualifying for Gainesville City Commission races, and five new candidates have thrown their names into the hat since late February, when Mainstreet last rounded up the seats.  

The city elections will cover the mayoral seat, occupied by Mayor Harvey Ward, and commission districts two, three and four—held by commissioners Ed Book, Casey Willits and Bryan Eastman, respectively. 

Book announced earlier this year that he would not run for another term, leaving no defending incumbent. His district covers Northwest Gainesville, and three candidates have filed to run so far.  

Former Gainesville Sun editor and reporter Nathan Crabbe announced Monday that he would seek the District 2 seat. He worked at The Gainesville Sun for more than 17 years, including over a decade as an opinion writer and editor. Since leaving the paper, he’s worked as editor of The Invading Sea, a website that covers environmental issues. 

Nelida Jean-Baptiste Pellot is also running and has worked in housing and community advocacy, according to her campaign website. She’s from South Florida and said she came to Gainesville after a fire destroyed her home. Now campaigning for the commission, she said she aims to help others facing hardships, the website said. 

Wyatt Clark Zintiz also filed to run for the seat. According to his social media, he’s a life-long Gainesville resident and combat veteran. He’s also the owner of Gruntscaper LLC, a landscape company launched in 2024. 

For District 3, incumbent Willits has already filed for reelection and earned enough signatures to get on the ballot. DeJeon Cain will face him as highlighted previously.  

James Gardner joined the race to face the two. According to a press release, he’s a former U.S. Coast Guard service member and worked at the Gainesville/Ocala Marine Institute.  

So far, no one has filed to run against Eastman in District 4.  

In the mayoral race, incumbent Ward and James Lesesne Jr. filed earlier this year.  

Evan Morgan Moon has since joined. His candidate statement advocates for a fairground, transportation and affordability. His introduction begins as follows: 

“I am here to take ownership! You are empowered. Care a little, and you will be WITH me in this,” the statement began.  

For fundraising, incumbents are leading the way. Ward has raised $16,800, followed by Eastman at $5,200 and Willits at $4,800. 

The qualifying period runs from June 8 to June 12 at noon. The voter registration deadline for the regular election is July 20. 

Gainesville Mayor  

• James Lesesne Jr.  

• Evan Morgan Moon 

• Harvey Ward, incumbent   

Gainesville District 2  

• Nathan Crabbe 

• Nelida Jean-Baptiste Pellot 

• Wyatt Clark Zintiz 

Gainesville District 3  

• DeJeon Cain    

• James Gardner 

• Casey Willits, incumbent  

Gainesville District 4  

• Bryan Eastman, incumbent