Columbia County native Joe Mullins on Tuesday won a Flagler County Commission seat, defeating a no-party affiliate in convincing fashion to earn his first spot in public office.

Mullins gobbled up 61.63% (30,946 votes) of the vote, defeating Jane Gentile-Youd, who collected 38.37% (19,270 votes).

Mullins, 48, ousted a two-term incumbent in the August primary to advance to Tuesday’s general election.  Flagler County commissioners are elected countywide, but Mullins won the District 4 seat,
which covers much of the western and rural areas of the county.

“This has been incredible — what a journey the last six months have been,” said Mullins, who also thanked the supporters and campaign workers who dedicated time to help. “We stayed focused on hearing the concerns of the residents and spreading our message.”

Throughout the campaign, Mullins’ campaign focused on public safety, high-paying jobs and a more diversified tax base, and preserving Flagler County’s beauty. He knocked on more than 24,000 doors throughout the campaign to hear what residents want from their local elected officials.

“I deeply care about Flagler County, and I look forward to working collaboratively to make Flagler County the No. 1 county in the state of Florida — and beyond,” Mullins said. “I look forward to the next four years.”

Mullins will be sworn to his four-year term at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20, in the Board Chambers at the Government Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Building 2, in Bunnell.