Octavius Holliday Jr. is running for Duval County Court Judge, Group 13, Division M, in the Nov. 3 general election. The nonpartisan race is for the seat being vacated by retiring Judge Mose Floyd, according to the Florida Trib. Melina Buncome is also running.

Asked why he is seeking the bench, Holliday said in our candidate questionnaire: "I believe that my lengthy experience on both sides of the criminal justice system, my reputation of being fair minded and conscientious in my practice of law, and my documented, decades-long commitment to serving Jacksonville through non-profits, mentoring organizations, and civic boards makes me a valuable asset to the bench."

Candidate information

Age: 54

Party affiliation: Holliday said in our questionnaire: "Currently- No party affiliation."

Education: Holliday said in our questionnaire: "2002 - Juris Doctor, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL … 1995 - Bachelor of Arts, Duke University, Durham, NC … 1990 - High School Diploma, Lyman High School, Longwood, FL"

Family: Holliday said in our questionnaire: "Married to Duval County Schools Assistant Principal and former teacher of the year, Hui Min Holliday. Four accomplished Biological children - two sets of twins …"

Background: Holliday said he earned a full football scholarship to Duke University and began law school at the University of Florida in spring 2000 while supporting a family as a full-time server, according to his campaign website.

Experience and public service

Work history: Holliday said in our questionnaire: "2017 - Present - Director of the Human Rights Division at the State Attorney's Office prosecuting primarily abuse, neglect, and exploitation of the elderly. 2012 - 2017 - Owner and sole proprietor of The Holliday Law Firm focusing on criminal defense, family law, and small claims litigation. 2003 - 2012 - State Attorney's Office. Assistant State Attorney …"

Community involvement: Holliday said he is a past president of the D.W. Perkins Bar Association, a member of 100 Black Men of America, president of the Jacksonville Graduate Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., and a volunteer with the Police Athletic League, according to his Voter Focus filing and campaign website.

Accomplishments: Holliday said in our questionnaire: "2025 Jacksonville Bar Association Lawyer of the Year … 2024 Florida Bar Claude Pepper Government Lawyer of the Year … Being one of the founding members of Florida's first Elder Abuse and Vulnerable Adult Fatality Review Team …"

On the issues

On prosecution and defense experience: Asked what having experience on both sides of the courtroom means for how he would approach cases, Holliday said in our questionnaire: "I worked for nine and a half years under Harry Shorstein and Angela Corey, prosecuting thousands of cases. I ran my law firm for close to five years and defended in trial everything from simple battery to homicides … The people of Jacksonville deserve a judge with a balanced perspective; One that will give grace and mercy when warranted, but also one that will have the wisdom and foresight to give sentences and bonds that protect victims and society …"

On his path to the law: Holliday said in our questionnaire: "First, that path has made me humble and grateful. Facing adversity by having twins at Duke as a student athlete and then having a second set of twins at UF Law, I had to really fight hard to achieve my goal of practicing law … So my path has made me so willing to mentor and help students at all levels become the best versions of themselves and hopefully join the legal profession one day …"

On differences from opponent: Holliday said in our questionnaire: "The critical differences between myself and my opponent are 1) My legal experience on the prosecution side (19 years) and the defense side (5 years), 2) my vast and varied volunteer and mentorship work throughout Jacksonville, 3) my general temperament, humility, and good natured, down to earth attitude and approach to practicing law …"

The Nov. 3 general election covers Duval County, which includes the Beaches communities.