Melina Buncome is running for Duval County Court Judge, Group 13, in the Nov. 3 general election. The nonpartisan race pits Buncome against Octavius Holliday Jr.

Asked why she is seeking the bench, Buncome said in our candidate questionnaire: "For three decades I have worked in the legal field and after seeing our citizens dissatisfied with our justice system, I would like to take my experience to the bench. As a judge, I would look at the law, the facts of the case and the individual before me to make the best decision for our community."

Candidate information

Education: Buncome listed in our questionnaire: "Juris Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University-Sheppard Board School of Law," "Bachelor of Arts from University of the Virgin Islands" and "Associate of Arts from El Centro Junior College."

Family: Buncome said in our questionnaire: "My family provides a strong, unwavering foundation of support that motivates my commitment to public service and justice for our community."

Family in politics or government: Buncome said in our questionnaire: "I have no family members that work in politics or government."

Party affiliation: Buncome said in our questionnaire: "This is a non-partisan race."

Experience and public service

Buncome serves as director of problem-solving courts in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, overseeing mental health, veterans treatment court and adult drug cases in Nassau, Clay and Duval counties, according to Florida Trib.

Asked about her work history, Buncome said in our questionnaire: "I have served as the Director of Problem-Solving Courts for the Fourth Judicial Circuit for many years, overseeing the Mental Health Court, Adult Drug Court, and Veterans Treatment Court. I dedicated 29 years to the Fourth Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office. Throughout my career, I have tried over eighty jury trials and managed thousands of cases, ranging from misdemeanors and serious felonies to death penalty litigation. Additionally, my background includes experience in civil law during my time in private practice, alongside a longstanding commitment to pro bono advocacy."

Her campaign finance page lists her roles at the Public Defender's Office, 4th Judicial Circuit, including line attorney in juvenile court, repeat offender court and special defense; division chief; and attorney in the homicide division handling death-certified cases.

Buncome is a member of the Jacksonville Bar Association, the Daniel Webster Perkins Bar Association, Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association and The Florida Bar, according to her campaign finance page. She serves on the board of the Salvation Army and their Women's Auxiliary, trains service dogs for veterans and children with disabilities and leads a monthly life group for Southpoint Community Church.

On the issues

What sets her apart: Buncome said in our questionnaire: "What really sets me apart is my firsthand experience running problem-solving courts, my long-standing commitment to pro-bono work, and the integrity I bring from my faith. … I'm committed to making sure everyone who walks into my courtroom are treated with fairness, dignity, and personal attention."

How her background prepares her for the bench: Buncome said in our questionnaire: "Working closely with people who have mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder, and drug addictions as well as traumatic brain injury has shown that treating the underlying causes results in the reduction of crimes and saves our community from unnecessary expenses of incarceration. My service as a pro bono attorney in the community also makes me aware of the problems in our community and programs that are available to assist our population."

Fairness in the courtroom: Buncome said in our questionnaire: "In my courtroom day-to-day fairness will be reflected in the dignity and manner in which participants are treated. All participants will be given the opportunity to be heard. Everyone will be given access to justice according to the law."

Endorsements

Buncome has received the following awards and recognitions, according to her campaign finance page:

• D.W. Perkins Bar Association Social Justice Award for involvement in the community (2025)
• Florida Association for Women Lawyers Leader in the Law Award (2025)
• Jacksonville Daily Record Lawyer of the Year (2023)
• The Florida Bar Pro Bono Service Award for the 4th Judicial Circuit (2023)