JACKSONVILLE, Fla — While Democrat Lakesha Burton did not score victory against Republican T.K. Waters in the Jacksonville Sheriff race, she said she is still “fired up” about what’s next.
To a room full of her supporters, Burton said there is still so much to be proud of.
“My decision to run for sheriff was based on love,” Burton said. “Love for my community, love for my fellow police officers, love for my friends and family – and most importantly, love for my God.”
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
Burton said she immediately called Waters and congratulated him on the win.
She also said she offered up her services and expertise.
Action News Jax asked Burton if she plans to run in the March election.
“I haven’t really thought about it,” Burton said. “I’ve been on the campaign trail for 18 months, and I’m looking forward to re-introducing myself to my family because I’ve been working really hard.”
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
Burton expressed her thoughts about Waters’ campaign.
“The other campaign had a lot of money and consultants who chose the low road of false attacks of my character and journey to this very stage,” Burton said. “They did not run on how they would make Jacksonville safer or how they would instill a good culture to make our police force better and stronger. They ran on fear, misinformation and lies.”
Burton said her supporters, friends and family are what make her strong.
She said it’s important the community holds Waters accountable.
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
“We must also ensure that the new sheriff spends our money wisely instead of wasting it on failed programs and strategies that don’t work,” Burton said. “Most of all, we must never stop demanding that T.K. Waters takes care of all of Jacksonville citizens.”
Burton said “I’m still here.”
“Sometimes when people are defeated they go and hide up under a rock,” Burton said. “That’s not who I am. I have a calling on my life to serve, and I’m going to continue to serve. I just have to see what capacity that’s going to happen in.”
Results from the Duval Supervisor of Elections show Waters secured 55 percent of the votes, while Burton secured 45 percent.
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
