Marion County Commissioner Kathy Bryant won't seek a fifth term

In 2010, two political newcomers rode the Republican wave that propelled them to Marion County Commission seats. Fifteen years later, one of the two has decided to step away.

"It's time. It's a long time to serve in this capacity. It's time to pass the baton off to someone else," County Commission Chair Kathy Bryant said on Sept. 23 when announcing she will not seek another term in 2026. The news was first reported by the Ocala Gazette.