Catherine Brandhorst is running for Anastasia Mosquito Control District Board Seat 2 in the Nov. 3 general election. The race is nonpartisan. Three other candidates are running: Ed Slavin, Sandra Fein and Tim Burton.

Brandhorst served on the AMCD board from 2011 to 2024. She was replaced in November 2024 when T.J. Mazzotta was elected to her seat, according to Jacksonville Today.

Asked in our candidate questionnaire why she is seeking the office, Brandhorst said: "I served a total of 12 years on the AMCD board on commissioners. I am a retired pest control operator with extensive knowledge of pesticides and pest control protocols. I believe my background would be an asset to AMCD"

Candidate information

Residence: St. Augustine, Florida

Party affiliation: Brandhorst said in our questionnaire: "Republican, however the position I am running for is non-partisan"

Education: Brandhorst said in our questionnaire: "Mercer University, Philosophy with minor in religion"

Family: Brandhorst said in our questionnaire: "Widowed 6-18-2026, Mother of 2 boys the oldest of which passed away 2005 on his 20th birthday"

Occupation and work history: Brandhorst said in our questionnaire: "Currently retired, Owner Comex Commercial Exterminators for 20 years. Senior VP OPERATIONS Commercial Environmental Services, a pest control business."

Previous elected office: Brandhorst said in our questionnaire: "2011-2024 Commissioner AMCD"

Experience and public service

Brandhorst served as chair of the AMCD Board of Commissioners from 2011 to 2014, according to BallotReady. She also said in a St. Augustine Record candidate response that she served as president of Homeowners Utilities from 1998 to 2000 and president of St. Augustine Little League from 2000 to 2002. She listed serving as president of St. Johns Youth Sports from 2002 to 2004.

On the issues

What made you want to return, and why this seat? Brandhorst said in our questionnaire: "The other candidates aren't qualified"

What are the critical differences between you and other candidates? Brandhorst said: "I am the only candidate with experience in the pest control industry."

What sets your experience apart for voters? Brandhorst said: "My expertise in pesticides and pest control protocol."

What accomplishments would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? Brandhorst said: "When I first joined the AMCD BOARD in 2011 they were using a chemical, Fyfonon, a known carcinogen and nuerotoxin. I pointed this out and it was discontinued"

Position on district independence: Brandhorst said in a St. Augustine Record candidate response that she opposes eliminating the Mosquito Control District as a separate entity and making it a county government agency. She argued that county-controlled programs tend to be reactionary rather than preventive, under-financed and lack the manpower to be effective.