HomeElectionsVan Elmore announces run for Alachua County Commissioner, District 4

Van Elmore announces run for Alachua County Commissioner, District 4

May 13, 2026

Press release from Van Elmore for Alachua County Commission

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – At a time when residents across Alachua County are feeling the strain of rising property taxes, growing budget concerns, and uneven representation, local advocate Van Elmore has announced his candidacy for County Commissioner, District 4—offering a campaign focused on transparency, accountability, and putting every community first.

Elmore, who previously ran for County Commission, is stepping forward again with a clear message: Alachua County works best when every community is heard—from Gainesville to our small towns and rural areas.

“I’m running because I care deeply about this county and the people who call it home,” said Elmore. “We need leadership that listens, that shows up, and that makes decisions with the entire county in mind—not just one area.”

Elmore’s campaign centers on several key priorities:

  • Fiscal Responsibility: Advocating for a balanced, transparent budget that respects taxpayers
  • Property Taxes: Addressing rising costs and ensuring fairness for residents across the county
  • Infrastructure: Improving and maintaining safe, reliable roads for all communities
  • Community Representation: Ensuring Gainesville and surrounding small towns alike have a voice
  • Transparency in Government: Open, honest leadership residents can trust

Not a career politician, Elmore emphasizes a practical, people-first approach rooted in real community concerns.

“We all pay taxes. Every community deserves safe roads, responsible spending, and a county government that works for them,” Elmore added.

The campaign will focus on engaging voters across Alachua County and building broad support among residents who want accountable leadership and a stronger future for the region.

  • “We all pay taxes. Every community deserves safe roads, responsible spending, and a county government that works for them,”

    Sounds good to me.

  • “We all pay taxes” … no , no we don’t, the homeless people that both the ACC and the GCC invite into our community most certainly do not pay taxes. Tell me how we are going to pay our law enforcement officers more, while we stop the DEI and environmental programs from draining our taxes. Then I will think about voting for you. The wishy washy “im for everyone getting equal outcomes” is over and we need to start having adult conversations about saving vs spending out tax money!

  • 1)) What is his political party?

    2)) What the heck is a “local advocate?”

    • 1) I am a republican.

      2) I am someone that will listen the people and make decisions based on that. Not someone who is swayed by special interest groups.

  • What does it matter what political party he is from? He makes sense from what he has said. Believe it or not there are a few Democrats who don’t agree with what the Democrat party has become he may be one he may be republican his little ad makes more sense than any of the dumbasses I’ve seen running yet

  • Van: Tell us about your work experience…I’d like to know more.. I got nothing from your announcement to run about your previous work experiences or education.
    Thanks.

    • I spent 31 years working as a Paramedic on an ambulance in Gainesville for Alachua County Fire Rescue. I have lived in Alachua County my entire life.

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