Campaign
According to The Daytona Beach News-Journal , Dye was expected to surpass the 50% vote threshold needed to avoid a runoff election. [17] The local press described Brower's 42 percent of the vote as "shocking". [17]
During the runoff, "overdevelopment" became a major issue of the election. [18] [7] Brower blamed ongoing flooding issues on overdevelopment and insufficient environmental regulations. [19] Dye supported more development in the county and opposed further regulations, calling them "anti-growth". [7] [11] Dye also defended accepting campaign contributions from development companies. [11] [19] During the campaign, Dye outraised Brower in campaign donations by a 4-to-1 margin. [17]
In October 2024, Brower was criticized for his perceived failure to address the mass flooding and $267 million in damage incurred in Volusia County from Hurricane Milton. [20] [21]
The final weeks of the election resulted in a "feud" between Chairman Brower and Sheriff Mike Chitwood. [22] Brower began the feud, calling Chitwood a "bully" and endorsing his opponent, saying: "we need a new sheriff". [22] Chitwood responded by calling Brower "feckless" and an "ineffective leader", going on to criticize him for not supporting law enforcement. [22] Chitwood also reaffirmed his endorsement of Dye for county chair. [22]
One week before election day, Brower held a press conference calling for a temporary moratorium on all new development in Volusia County. [23]
On November 5, 2025, Brower narrowly defeated Dye in the election, receiving 51.4% of the vote. [24] In his victory speech, Brower thanked Volusia County voters who "made it clear, business as usual just ended." [25] On November 6, Dye conceded the race to Brower at 8:00 a.m. (EST), saying: "It wasn't the result we were hoping for" and "I respect the voters and I respect your decision". [26]
Government 