(ESCAMBIA) – Incumbent Lois Benson and challenger Gloria Horning will face off in November for the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) District 2 seat after both were unopposed in their party primaries
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Under Florida law, candidates who are unopposed for a party nomination advance automatically to the general election ballot. No other candidates filed for District 2.
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority manages water service, wastewater treatment, and sanitation collection for much of Escambia County. Board members set rates, approve the annual budget, vote on infrastructure projects such as sewer lines and lift stations, and set policy on recycling and landfill operations.
ECUA will be operating with a proposed budget of $890M for fiscal year 2026-2027. Board members serve four years and are paid per year, per state statute.
Photo Credit: Lois Benson Facebook
Louis Benson, a Republican, was first appointed to the ECUA board by Governor Jeb Bush in November 2004 and currently represents District 2 on the ECUA Board. Benson served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1992 to 1994 and on the Pensacola City Council from 1988 to 1990, according to the Florida House and city records. Benson has received $32,000 in campaign contributions.
Gloria G. Horning is running as an independent. Horning is an environmental social justice scientist and advocate with a Doctorate of Philosophy. Her work has focused on flooding, pollution, and climate change, including infrastructure issues like aging sewer systems and stormwater contamination, according to her biography. She was involved in efforts to close the Rolling Hills landfill and is now advising on environmental impacts of AI data centers, focusing on energy and water use, according to her campaign. Horning has led national and local organizations addressing environmental issues, according to her campaign. Horning has raised $1100 in campaign contributions.
Photo Credit: Gloria Horning
Benson and Horning will appear on the November 3 ballot for the general election in district 2.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at pepper.w@lead4eartth.org
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