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The new 19-member Jacksonville new City Council that was sworn in Thursday is more male and more Republican than Duval County at large. There are just two women on the Council, compared to their 51% makeup of Duval County’s population. And 74% of Councilmembers are Republicans, while just 35% of registered voters are.
In a city with a median age of 36, the new Council has median age of 50 and a larger proportion of members over age 65 (About a quarter of the Council is over the age of 65.) The new members’ ages span from the youngest – Joe Carlucci, at 34 – to a couple members in their early 70s.
At least eight members were born in Jacksonville, including alumni from Bishop Kenny, Raines, Ribault, Andrew Jackson, Stanton, Riverside and Bolles high schools.
Compared with the county as a whole, the Council is more highly educated, as most of the members have some graduate education — at least seven have master’s degrees and at least one has a doctorate (Ron Salem, plus doctoral candidate Rahman Johnson and Ju’Coby Pittman has an honorary doctorate degree).
A couple of ways that the Council reflects the population more proportionately: Black residents make up about 31% of both Duval County’s population and the City Council. And about 11.8% of Duval’s population self-identified as Hispanic or Latino in the 2020 Census, while about 10% of Jacksonville’s new City Council members do.
Beyond publicly available data and records provided by the city, 15 of the 19 Council members also completed Jacksonville Today’s demographic survey, in which eight self-identified as white, and five identified as Black or African American. Additionally, one Council member, Ron Salem, self-identified as Arab American, and another, Michael Gay, marked American Indian or Alaska Native (Gay did not immediately reply to a follow-up inquiry from Jacksonville Today about tribal affiliation).
Where does the Council live?
By law, the 14 district Council members are required to live in the district they represent, and five at-large Council members are required to live in one of five zones. Three ZIP codes are home to two Council members – including the San Marco area, 32207, where father and son councilmen Matt and Joe Carlucci both reside.
The new Council takes the helm July 1 and is set to represent Duval County residents through the first part of 2027.
When it comes to problems in your neighborhood, like trash not getting picked up, a new building blocking the view, or roads in disrepair, you can call or email your district Council member or one the five at-large Council members (and you can always #AskJAXTDY about your neighborhood issues!)
District council members
Editor’s note: New Council members’ biographies are drawn from their responses to a Jacksonville Today election questionnaire or their campaign websites. Incumbent members’ biographies are from the city of Jacksonville. Additional information is included from members who completed a Jacksonville Today demographic survey. Find your Council district here.
District 1: Ken Amaro (R)
“I have been a Duval County resident since 1975. I was employed as a broadcast journalist at WTLV/WJXX (First Coast News) for 43 years. I am married and we have four daughters. They attended the local public schools and graduated from the state universities, FSU, UF and UNF. … I have lived in my community for five decades, for four of those decades I have been a voice for those in the community. I have been a problem solver, and volunteered on a number of nonprofits that serve this community. I have been about public service.”
Age: Not provided
Race: Black or African American alone
Ethnicity: Hispanic or Latino
ZIP: 32277
Education: Bachelor’s
Military veteran: No
Birthplace: U.S. Virgin Islands
High school: Central High School
Optional additional affiliations: PhIlippian Community Church
Contact information will be added when he begins July 1.
District 2: Michael Gay (R)
“I’m a life-long resident of Duval County, 58 years. I’m married and have 3 children ranging in ages 27 – 5. I describe myself when speaking to constituents as a conservative, Christian, constitutionalist, as I think that sums up where I stand on issues like medical freedom. … I’m the Founder and President of an electrical contracting business that I built from the ground up 33 years ago.”
Age: 58
Race: American Indian and Alaska Native alone
Ethnicity: Not Hispanic or Latino
ZIP: 32218
Education: Some college and apprenticeship
Military veteran: No
Birthplace: Jacksonville
High school: Andrew Jackson High School
Contact information will be added when he begins July 1.
District 3: Will Lahnen (R)
Will Lahnen works in finance and procurement for the Wounded Warrior Project. On the campaign trail, he told News4Jax: ”My daughters are the 5th generation of our family to live in Jacksonville, and I care deeply about the future of our city. That passion is coupled with key skill sets that are needed for the work that the City Council does, such as planning large budgets, objectively analyzing business cases, and engineering and infrastructure experience. As with any new job, I know there will be challenges and a steep learning curve, but I have the experience and knowledge to hit the ground running for the people of District 3.”
Age: 42
Race: White alone
Ethnicity: Not Hispanic or Latino
ZIP: 32224
Education: Master’s
Military veteran: Yes
Birthplace: Jacksonville
High school: Stanton College Preparatory
Optional additional affiliations: Chet’s Creek Church, veterans’ service organizations
Contact information will be added when he begins July 1.
District 4: Kevin Carrico (R)
”Kevin Carrico, born the son of a U.S. Army officer, grew up living all over the country and all over the world. … On his journey in public service, Kevin went on to work as the Vice President of Operations for the Clara White Mission from 2012-2016, where his organization helped Jacksonville’s homeless population, giving them a chance to work their way into better circumstances. In 2016 he became the Vice President of Operations for the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Florida. Kevin is passionate about keeping kids safe through prevention and intervention, and reaching kids at an early age to make a difference in their lives. The organization serves 8,000 kids in northeast Florida and has grown from 12 to 38 clubs since 2016.”
Kevin Carrico did not complete Jacksonville Today’s demographic survey.
City phone: (904) 255-5204
City email: KCarrico@coj.net
District 5: Joe Carlucci (R)
“First and foremost, I am a husband and father. I’ve been married to my wife, Victoria, for 10 years, and we are raising our two sons, JoJo and Jack, in the Miramar area. I was born and raised in Jacksonville – right here in District 5. … Being a small business owner has prepared me the most – giving me invaluable insight into what it takes to grow our economy, create jobs, and manage budgets. Additionally, as the President of the San Marco Merchants Association, I acquired the ability to bring business leaders, families, and city leaders together in order to promote economic growth and development.”
Age: 34
Race: White alone
Ethnicity: Not Hispanic or Latino
ZIP: 32207
Education: Bachelor’s
Military veteran: No
Birthplace: Jacksonville
High school: Stanton College Preparatory
Optional additional affiliations: Southpoint Community Church
Contact information will be added when he begins July 1.
District 6: Michael Boylan (R)
”Michael and his family moved to Jacksonville in May, 1999 when he joined WJCT Public Broadcasting as its President & CEO. During his tenure WJCT completed the federally mandated transition to digital television in 2003, not only broadcasting in high definition but increasing its number of television channels from one to five, the last of which was the 24-hour PBS Kids Channel. … He has held board leadership roles on a broad array of community organizations including Leadership Jacksonville, the North Florida Council of the Boys Scouts of America, the Jacksonville Symphony Association, Visit Jacksonville and St. Vincent’s Healthcare, to name just a few.”
Age: 71
Race: White alone
Ethnicity: Not Hispanic or Latino
ZIP: 32277
Education: Master’s
Military veteran: No
Birthplace: Sandusky, Ohio
Optional additional affiliations: Roman Catholic
City phone: (904) 255-5206
City email: MBoylan@coj.net
District 7: Jimmy Peluso (D)
“I grew up in Jacksonville, but I’ve lived in the Riverside-Avondale area since 2015. Currently I work in Government Affairs for VyStar Credit Union, where I work with local governments, as well as the state. I am also a naval officer who is in the reserves, and drill one weekend a month as the Executive Officer of my unit. … I am also on a number of boards throughout the County: Changing Homelessness Continuum of Care Board, Northeast Florida Literacy Alliance, Veterans Council of Duval County, Memorial Park Association and the Riverside Avondale Preservation Committee on Infrastructure.”
Age: 36
Race: White alone
Ethnicity: Not Hispanic or Latino
ZIP: 32205
Education: Master’s
Military veteran: Yes
Birthplace: New Jersey
High school: Bishop Kenny
Optional additional affiliations: Catholic
Contact information will be added when he begins July 1.
District 8: Reggie Gaffney, Jr. (D)
“Reggie Gaffney Jr. is a native of Jacksonville, Florida. Born on the Northside of Jacksonville, Reggie has spent the last 25 years in District 7. As a determined, and diligent young man, Reggie attended Raines high school, where he played on the football team and graduated with honors. Afterwards, he went on to attend and graduate from Florida A&M University (FAMU) where he obtained his undergraduate degree in Business Administration and later his Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Reggie has been employed by the Duval County Clerk of Courts and is currently the Assistant Executive Director of Community Rehabilitation Center (CRC), a behavioral health facility located in Jacksonville’s Northside.”
Age: 38
Race: Black or African American alone
Ethnicity: Not Hispanic or Latino
ZIP: 32218
Education: Master’s
Military veteran: No
Birthplace: Jacksonville
High school: Raines High School
Contact information will be added when he begins July 1.
District 9: Tyrona Clark–Murray (D)
“Tyrona Clark-Murray is a Jacksonville native who has lived in various neighborhoods. Ms. Clark-Murray’s career started with military service. After earning her undergraduate degree, she joined the U.S. Army intending to serve in the Reserve as a Non-commissioned Officer (NCO). She rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant before being honorably discharged in 2001. Her career continued with public service. As one who loves school, Ms. Clark-Murray has been educating Duval County students since 1993. She has taught middle and high school students in the inner city and suburbs.”
Age: 54
Race: Black or African American alone
Ethnicity: Not Hispanic or Latino
ZIP: 32254
Education: Master’s
Military veteran: Yes
Birthplace: Jacksonville
High school: Raines High School
Contact information will be added when he begins July 1.
District 10: Ju’Coby Pittman (D)
“Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman is a proud native of Jacksonville, who has devoted her career to the advancement of city services, veteran’s advocacy, and innovative community development. … Councilwoman Pittman has served as CEO/President of the Clara White Mission for 27 years, providing social and professional services to Jacksonville’s underserved communities and homeless veterans. … In addition to her work on City Council and with Clara White Mission, Pittman has served on several political transition teams, supporting Jacksonville Mayors John Delaney, John Peyton, Alvin Brown and Lenny Curry.”
Ju’Coby Pittman did not complete Jacksonville Today’s demographic survey.
City phone: (904) 255-5208
City email: JPittman@coj.net
District 11: Raul Arias Jr. (R)
“Raul was assigned to the USS Boone at Naval Station Mayport and after completing military service, he decided to make Jacksonville his home. Since 2007, Raul has owned and operated Mambos Cuban Café, creating jobs and helping our local economy. Mambos has since grown to three restaurants across Jacksonville, including one on the Southside. In addition to running a successful small business, Raul is actively involved in our community. He is an appointee and Vice Chair of the Jacksonville Housing Community Development Commission and volunteer for the Police Athletic League.”
Age: 39
Race: White alone
Ethnicity: Hispanic or Latino
ZIP: 32256
Education: Bachelor’s
Military veteran: Yes
Birthplace: Panama City, Panama
Optional additional affiliations: Catholic
Contact information will be added when he begins July 1.
District 12: Randy White, Council vice president
“Randy White was born in Jacksonville and is a westside native. He and his wife Julie attend Rise Church on the westside of Jacksonville. Randy retired from JFRD after a 32-year career. He served as president of the Jacksonville Association of Firefighters. Throughout his career he was a member of the Jacksonville Association of Firefighters, IAFF, International Association of Fire Chiefs, and Florida Fire Chiefs Association. He is currently an active member of the Retired Jacksonville Association of Firefighters, Riverside Rotary Club, Wesconnett Masonic Lodge, and the Morocco Shrine.”
Randy White partially completed Jacksonville Today’s demographic survey.
Age: 68
ZIP: 32221
Birthplace: Jacksonville, FL
High school: Paxon
Optional additional affiliations: International Association of Firefighters, International Association of Fire Chiefs, Jacksonville Association of Firefighters
City phone: (904) 255-5212
City email: RandyWhite@coj.net
District 13: Rory Diamond
“In addition to his work on behalf of the Beaches community, Rory is a Judge Advocate General (JAG) Officer with the Florida National Guard and the U.S. Army. Prior to his service in uniform, Rory was the Chief Executive Officer of K9s For Warriors. Under his leadership, K9s For Warriors grew into the nation’s largest provider of Service Dogs for disabled American veterans and the largest Service Dog agency in the world using primarily rescue dogs. Rory was also a litigator at two international law firm and served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice.”
Rory Diamond did not complete Jacksonville Today’s demographic survey.
City phone: (904) 255-5213
City email: RDiamond@coj.net
District 14: Rahman Johnson
“Rahman Johnson is a professor of journalism and communications at Edward Waters University, the oldest private institution of higher education in Florida. Rahman was born and raised in Jacksonville. He graduated with honors from Jean Ribault High School, and holds degrees from Edward Waters University, Seton Hall University, and is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Jackson State University. Rahman has worked as a radio and television personality for stations across the country. With more than 25 years in media, he has been a TV News Anchor, host , radio on-air personality, newspaper columnist, reporter, and marketing and communications director.”
Age: 47
Race: Black or African American alone
Ethnicity: Not Hispanic or Latino
ZIP: 32244
Education: PhD Candidate
Military veteran: No
Birthplace: Orange Park, FL
High school: Jean Ribault High School
Optional additional affiliations: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (where I was christened), Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Society of Professional Journalists, National Association of Black Journalists
Contact information will be added when he begins July 1.
At-large council members
Group 1: Terrance Freeman
“Terrance is currently the Senior Project Manager of Apprenticeship Programs at Miller Electric, Talent/Workforce Development. … Terrance Freeman’s father was an Army veteran and Baptist minister and his mother was a career social worker. Together, they modeled what a selfless leader looks like, and Terrance has carried their example with him all of his life. … After a successful professional baseball career, he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical education and sports psychology. Mr. Freeman has always believed that helping our young people succeed is a tremendous calling, and he spent over ten years as a teacher, a school administrator, and coach.”
Age: 48
Race: Black or African American alone
Ethnicity: Not Hispanic or Latino
ZIP: 32277
Education: Master’s
Military veteran: No
Birthplace: Florida
City phone: (904) 255-5215
City email: TFreeman@coj.net
Group 2: Ron Salem, Council president
“Ronald B. Salem, Pharm. D., is currently the President of Salem and Associates, a company that provides consulting services in the pharmaceutical industry. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1978 and a Doctor of Pharmacy in 1980 from the University of Florida. Dr. Salem has been extensively involved in the community. During his tenure on City Council, he has served on the Finance Committee, once as Chair as well as TEU Committee (Vice Chair and Chair) and NCSPHS Committee as Vice Chair. He also served as Chair of the Special Committee on Opioid Epidemic and Opioid Abuse Prevention Committee and the Special Committee on Social Justice and Community Investment.”
Age: 67
Race: Arab American
Ethnicity: Arab American
ZIP: 32277
Education: Doctorate
Military veteran: No
Birthplace: Jacksonville
High school: Robert E. Lee High School (Now called Riverside High)
Optional additional affiliations: Antiochian Orthodox
City phone: (904) 255-5216
City email: RSalem@coj.net
Group 3: Nick Howland
“Nick Howland is a Navy veteran, businessman, husband, and father. After earning his bachelor’s degree at Duke University in 1995, Nick served in the U.S. Navy on guided missile destroyer USS CHANDLER and at Naval Special Warfare riverine unit SBU-22. After the Navy, he earned his MBA at the University of Chicago and joined defense systems manufacturer, Raytheon Company. Nick has been an executive in the defense industry for more than 20 years, focused on marine and defense survival products. In January 2007, he relocated his family to Jacksonville for body armor manufacturer Armor Holdings, Inc. He has since had subsequent roles as Managing Director of Survitec Group, President of Revere Survival, President of Patten Company, and director on various local and international corporate boards.”
Age: 50
Race: White alone
Ethnicity: Not Hispanic or Latino
ZIP: 32224
Education: BA, MBA
Military veteran: Yes
Birthplace: Chicago
High school: Central High School
Optional additional affiliations: American Legion
Phone: (904) 255-5217
Email: NHowland@coj.net
Group 4: Matt Carlucci
“Born and raised in Jacksonville, Matthew F. “Matt” Carlucci now begins his fourth term as a Jacksonville City Council member, having represented At-Large Group 4 (1987-1994 and 2019-present) and District 5 (1999-2003). In 2001, he served as Council President, providing critical leadership in the wake of 9-11. That same year, Matt was awarded the Jacksonville Historical Society’s Preservation Milestone Award for saving Jacksonville’s “most extraordinary corner,” the Laura Street Trio, from the wrecking ball. Decades later, historic preservation remains a part of his legislative priorities.”
Age: 67
Race: White alone
Ethnicity: Not Hispanic or Latino
ZIP: 32277
Education: Bachelor’s
Military veteran: No
Birthplace: Jacksonville
High school: Bolles High School
Optional additional affiliations: Aspire Church of San Marco, Jacksonville Historical Society, Jacksonville Insurance and Financial Planners Association
City phone: (904) 255-5218
City email: MCarlucci@coj.net
Group 5: Chris Miller
“I am currently Congressman John Rutherford’s District Director. In total, I have lived in Duval County for twelve years and Northeast Florida for sixteen years. I fell in love with Jacksonville in the 1980s/1990s, formed many great friendships that I maintained throughout my time serving in the Army and always knew I would be back. My wife Char and I were fortunate that my last assignment was as the Inspector General with the Florida National Guard, getting us back to Northeast Florida. We currently live in Riverside with our rescue Weimaraner, Baron, and our Frenchie, Pearl. “
Age: 60
Race: White alone
Ethnicity: Not Hispanic or Latino
ZIP: 32204
Education: Two Master’s
Military veteran: Yes
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Optional additional affiliations: Aspire Church of San Marco
Contact information will be added when he begins July 1.
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