Photo by Trei Johnson
Gulfport voters elected Jennifer Daunch to represent Ward I on city council Tuesday, defeating Joe Guenther, and preserving the city’s all-women status on council.
Daunch received 1,470 votes, or 54%. Guenther earned 1,252 votes, or 46%, according to unofficial results Tuesday night.
“I was completely confident the entire time, so let’s get to work,” said Daunch.
Daunch Wins Ward I Seat
During the campaign, Daunch identified flooding and infrastructure as Gulfport’s most urgent challenges. At a recent candidate forum, she offered different approaches to resilience and neighborhood issues.
Daunch supported nature-based solutions to flooding. She pointed to living shorelines, oyster beds, and shoreline restoration to slow storm surge and improve bay health. She said natural infrastructure could complement existing stormwater projects and outside funding.
These are Gulfport’s Ward I council election results. Here are the Gulfport’s Ward III council results.
Read Gulfport’s charter amendment results.
Read the charter amendments for Kenneth City and Treasure Island. Along with that, read the 2026 South Pinellas election results.
Photo by Trei Johnson
She also addressed neighborhood concerns such as work vehicles parked on residential streets and illegal dumping. Daunch said existing reporting systems already handle most complaints.
Ward I consists of several residential areas, including Town Shores and the Pasadena Yacht and Country Club, and part of the city’s waterfront.
After certification, Daunch will join the four-member Gulfport City Council and mayor in shaping decisions on land use, infrastructure, and public spending. The city will swear her into office March 17 at 6 p.m. at Gulfport City Hall.
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