In the race to replaced term-limited County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay (D-District 6) next year, there are three Democrats already in the race, but as of now, only one Republican — real estate agent Sara Baxter.
Unless she ends up having to face a primary herself, Baxter will face the winner of the Democratic primary in the 2022 general election. The Democratic candidates currently include Michelle McGovern, Sylvia Sharps and Matt Willhite. Filing does not close until the middle of next year. The district, as currently drawn, tends to favor the Democrat.
Baxter noted that the election is well over a year away, and anything can happen in that time.
While never holding a political office, Baxter has served in parliamentary organizations. She has also been an eighth-grade science teacher and has worked in the medical field.
Currently working as a real estate agent, she and her husband also own an auto repair facility.
Baxter said her top qualifications are that she has experience in small business, knows how jobs are created and also her work in education. She said she favors conservative values and limited government. “I won’t force people to do what I want to do,” she said.
Baxter believes that county leadership needs new faces and new ideas.
“I would bring a new perspective on things to the Palm Beach County Commission. They lose sight of the struggles of citizens. I would be a voice for the people,” Baxter said. “No one is going to work harder for the people.”
Currently, Baxter is putting together the framework of her campaign. “I will be general now and have more specifics as we get closer,” she said.
Born in West Palm Beach, Baxter is a second-generation Floridian. She graduated from Palm Beach State College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She lives in The Acreage with her husband Brian, sons Liam and Logan, and nephew Christian. “We are raising our two boys and a nephew,” Baxter said. “It is a house full of boys.”
She attends and volunteers with Christ Fellowship Church. Her hobbies include CrossFit and enjoying Florida’s parks and natural areas.
For more information about Sara Baxter’s campaign, visit www.votesarabaxter.com.
