Dance at the Independence Day Fourth of July parade in Flagler Beach last year. ⓒ AskFlagler

County Commissioner Andy Dance was re-elected to a second term on Tuesday, defeating challenger Fernando Melendez. The victory secures him his second four-year term after being first elected in 2020. He won with 70.27% to Melendez’s 29.73%.

Dance’s election was open to all registered voters because, although he and Melendez are Republicans, the fact that they are the only two registered candidates prevents their election from becoming a closed Republican primary. If there had been three Republicans, there would have been an open primary with the top two candidates advancing to the November ballot (as long as a winner did not receive more than 50%).

A single candidate not running as a Republican would have closed the race between Dance and Melendez to Republican voters only, as was the case with the other two county commission races. Those races were barred from all non-registered Republicans, meaning GOP voters alone would decide who would face an empty spot in November (each race had one candidate who could be written on the ballot).

Dance’s victory continues one of the longest-running careers in public service among Flagler County officials. Dance served on the Flagler School Board for 12 years before joining the county commission in 2020. He defeated Democrat Corinne Hermle four years ago and unseated Melendez this year. Dance is now guaranteed a total of 20 years in elected office in Flagler County.

Fernando Melendez, left, speaks with outgoing Commissioner Donald O’Brien. ⓒ AskFlagler

“I am honored by the support of my community and am committed to continuing to work hard to make Flagler County the best place to live in Florida!” Dance commented on social media after his victory. “Thank you very much!”

For Melendez, this is his second campaign in the last two election cycles. He also ran for Palm Coast City Council in 2022, losing by just over 3,000 votes. Melendez has said that if he is unsuccessful, this would be his last political campaign for the foreseeable future. According to recent campaign donation reports, Dance had over four times as much money in his account as Melendez, with Dance’s spending also dwarfing that of his challenger.

“Tonight’s defeat was not to be expected, but never stop believing that it is worth fighting for what is right,” Melendez wrote. “It’s worth it. I want to thank everyone who supported our campaign and believed in me. THANK YOU! And I also want to congratulate my opponent, Commissioner Andy Dance. The people have spoken and in our beautiful and free country, that is our right. All differences aside, may God bless our government’s leadership of our country. Thank you again and God bless you all.”