McCullough Enters Jacksonville City Council Race

Key takeaways

• A third candidate, Matt McCullough, has entered the Jacksonville City Council At-Large Group 4 race to replace term-limited Matt Carlucci.
• McCullough brings military leadership experience as a former Navy pilot and currently serves as North Florida’s Navy Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer.
• The race features three Republicans with no clear front-runner as of now; fundraising numbers show varying levels of campaign activity among the field.
• Qualifying runs January 11–15, 2027, with the First Election on March 9, 2027 and a May 18 general election if no candidate wins a majority.

Background of candidates

Matt McCullough, a former Navy pilot who flew during operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Active Endeavor, is entering the race with a decorated service record that includes two Air Medals, a Navy Commendation Medal, a Meritorious Service Medal, and recognition as both Combat Aircrew of the Year and Pilot of the Year. He presently serves as North Florida’s Navy Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer, positioning him to emphasize safety and resilience in city policy.

In the field alongside McCullough are two Republicans with distinct profiles: April Ethridge, an Army veteran with an MBA, who has raised $1,550 since joining the race in 2025; and Andrew McCann, a former medical services professional who has self-funded and raised $13,100 since entering the race in late October. Incumbent Matt Carlucci has not endorsed any candidate in this contest.

“As a veteran, I know what leadership and delivering results looks like. Jacksonville deserves a city government that works to put our residents first, keeps our neighborhoods safe, and invests responsibly in our future,” MCullough said. “I’ve had the honor of wearing our nation’s uniform and lead under pressure. I am ready to bring that leadership to City Hall on day one and continue my service on the Jacksonville City Council.”

Race dynamics and fundraising

The race is shaping up with three Republican contenders, and no obvious frontrunner has emerged. McCullough’s candidacy adds a veteran-focused perspective to a field that includes Ethridge and McCann, each bringing different professional backgrounds to the table. Ethridge’s fundraising pace appears modest as the campaign continues, while McCann has demonstrated more fundraising momentum since his late-2025 entry, emphasizing family and Jacksonville’s future.

Carlucci has not endorsed any candidate in this race, underscoring a competitive and open contest for At-Large Group 4. This dynamic could influence both fundraising strategies and voter outreach in the critical months ahead.

Election timeline

Qualifying runs from noon on January 11, 2027, to noon on January 15, 2027. The First Election is scheduled for March 9, 2027, and the General Election will be held on May 18, 2027. In the General, the top two finishers square off regardless of party label unless someone secures a majority in March. This timeline emphasizes early and sustained voter outreach from the contenders.

Implications for Jacksonville

With the council At-Large seat open, the chosen candidate will influence city priorities around neighborhoods safety, infrastructure investment, and responsible budgeting. McCullough’s leadership ethos centers on accountability and results, which could shape debates on service delivery and emergency preparedness. As campaigns unfold, residents can anticipate focused discussions on safety, neighborhood investment, and prudent spending as Jacksonville positions itself for future growth.

How to follow

For ongoing coverage and expert analysis, readers can follow A.G. Gancarski, the Northeast Florida correspondent for Florida Politics since 2014. He can be reached at AG@FloridaPolitics.com or on Twitter: @AGGancarski.

Interested readers can explore related posts and background on Florida Politics, including updates on the 2026 and 2027 Jacksonville elections and related policy discussions. Related coverage and sources are curated to help voters stay informed and engaged.