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In 2018, Brower was defeated in the ] ] 1st district primary election.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Reporting Group (Election/Committees) |url=https://www.voterfocus.com/CampaignFinance/candidate_pr.php?el=13&c=volusia |website=Volusia County Supervisor of Elections |date=2024-08-18}}</ref> In 2020, Brower was elected county-wide as Volusia County chair with 56% of the vote, defeating Volusia County councilwoman Deb Denys.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Volusia County's New Chairman: I'm Bringing Fresh Eyes to it |url=https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2020/11/05/volusia-county-s-new-chairman--i-m-bringing-fresh-eyes-to-it |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=mynews13.com |language=en}}</ref> While in office, Brower has voted to protect ] from stricter living requirements.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gardner |first=Sheldon |date=2023-10-18 |title=Volusia County Council votes 5-2 to advance stricter rules for sexual predators, offenders |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/10/18/volusia-county-sexual-predators-could-get-tougher-distance-requirement/71170587007/ |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online |language=en}}</ref> He also voted for ] to stop ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Almenas |first=Jarleene |date=2024-09-03 |title=Vote to disband Volusia County environmental board fails due to a tie |url=https://www.observerlocalnews.com/news/2024/sep/03/vote-to-disband-volusia-county-environmental-board-fails-due-to-a-tie/ |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Observer Local News |language=en}}</ref> | In 2018, Brower was defeated in the ] ] 1st district primary election.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Reporting Group (Election/Committees) |url=https://www.voterfocus.com/CampaignFinance/candidate_pr.php?el=13&c=volusia |website=Volusia County Supervisor of Elections |date=2024-08-18}}</ref> In 2020, Brower was elected county-wide as Volusia County chair with 56% of the vote, defeating Volusia County councilwoman Deb Denys.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Volusia County's New Chairman: I'm Bringing Fresh Eyes to it |url=https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2020/11/05/volusia-county-s-new-chairman--i-m-bringing-fresh-eyes-to-it |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=mynews13.com |language=en}}</ref> While in office, Brower has voted to protect ] from stricter living requirements.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gardner |first=Sheldon |date=2023-10-18 |title=Volusia County Council votes 5-2 to advance stricter rules for sexual predators, offenders |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/10/18/volusia-county-sexual-predators-could-get-tougher-distance-requirement/71170587007/ |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online |language=en}}</ref> He also voted for ] to stop ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Almenas |first=Jarleene |date=2024-09-03 |title=Vote to disband Volusia County environmental board fails due to a tie |url=https://www.observerlocalnews.com/news/2024/sep/03/vote-to-disband-volusia-county-environmental-board-fails-due-to-a-tie/ |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Observer Local News |language=en}}</ref> | ||
In early 2024, Brower and vice chair Troy Kent received negative public and media attention for opposing the construction of a much-needed ] in ]. The remaining county council members approved the project and a moratorium vote failed by a 5-2 margin.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gardner |first=Sheldon |title=County Council shifts gears, rejects development moratorium paving way for fuel terminal |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2024/02/06/moratorium-related-to-fuel-facility-rejected-in-volusia-what-we-know/72440325007/ |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Reed |first=Molly |date=2024-02-06 |title=Volusia County Council rejects heavy industrial moratorium, will process fuel farm site plans |url=https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2024/02/06/volusia-county-council-rejects-heavy-industrial-moratorium-will-process-fuel-farm-site-plans/ |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=WKMG |
In early 2024, Brower and vice chair Troy Kent received negative public and media attention for opposing the construction of a much-needed ] in ]. The remaining county council members approved the project and a moratorium vote failed by a 5-2 margin.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gardner |first=Sheldon |title=County Council shifts gears, rejects development moratorium paving way for fuel terminal |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2024/02/06/moratorium-related-to-fuel-facility-rejected-in-volusia-what-we-know/72440325007/ |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Reed |first=Molly |date=2024-02-06 |title=Volusia County Council rejects heavy industrial moratorium, will process fuel farm site plans |url=https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2024/02/06/volusia-county-council-rejects-heavy-industrial-moratorium-will-process-fuel-farm-site-plans/ |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=WKMG |language=en}}</ref> | ||
Brower ran for re-election in the 2024 Volusia County chair election.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=A. O. L. |date=2023-07-08 |title=Update: Brower files papers for re-election, says he's 'taking the gloves off now' |url=https://www.aol.com/entertainment/volusia-county-council-chairman-jeff-190254615.html |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=www.aol.com |language=en-US}}</ref> He was challenged by ] Mayor Don Burnette; auto dealer Randy Dye, the father of stock car racer ]; and former county councilwoman Deb Denys.<ref>{{cite news |date=May 4, 2023 |title=Businessman Randy Dye joins two others in a run for Volusia County Council Chair |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/county/2023/05/04/randy-dye-prominent-businessman-joins-race-for-volusia-county-chair/70184217007/ |work=Daytona Beach News Journal |location=(Florida)}}</ref> Denys and Burnette were eliminated in the August primary, and Brower went on to narrowly win re-election with 51.4% of the vote in the November runoff against Dye.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Zizo |first=Christie |title=Jeff Brower wins reelection for Volusia County Council Chair seat |url=https://www.clickorlando.com/results-2024/2024/11/04/find-results-for-the-volusia-council-chair-race-on-nov-5-2024/ |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=clickorlando.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The ] ] voted to endorse Dye in the election.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gardner |first=Sheldon |title=Outspent and out-endorsed, Jeff Brower wins race for Volusia County Council chairman |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/county/2024/11/05/volusia-county-chairman-jeff-brower-ahead-as-final-votes-come-in/76043975007/ |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Harper |first=Mark |date=2024-09-19 |title=Volusia County Republican Executive Committee backs Randy Dye for county chair |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/09/19/who-did-volusia-county-republican-party-endorse-in-county-chair-race/75285100007/ |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online |language=en}}</ref> | Brower ran for re-election in the 2024 Volusia County chair election.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=A. O. L. |date=2023-07-08 |title=Update: Brower files papers for re-election, says he's 'taking the gloves off now' |url=https://www.aol.com/entertainment/volusia-county-council-chairman-jeff-190254615.html |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=www.aol.com |language=en-US}}</ref> He was challenged by ] Mayor Don Burnette; auto dealer Randy Dye, the father of stock car racer ]; and former county councilwoman Deb Denys.<ref>{{cite news |date=May 4, 2023 |title=Businessman Randy Dye joins two others in a run for Volusia County Council Chair |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/county/2023/05/04/randy-dye-prominent-businessman-joins-race-for-volusia-county-chair/70184217007/ |work=Daytona Beach News Journal |location=(Florida)}}</ref> Denys and Burnette were eliminated in the August primary, and Brower went on to narrowly win re-election with 51.4% of the vote in the November runoff against Dye.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Zizo |first=Christie |title=Jeff Brower wins reelection for Volusia County Council Chair seat |url=https://www.clickorlando.com/results-2024/2024/11/04/find-results-for-the-volusia-council-chair-race-on-nov-5-2024/ |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=clickorlando.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The ] ] voted to endorse Dye in the election.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gardner |first=Sheldon |title=Outspent and out-endorsed, Jeff Brower wins race for Volusia County Council chairman |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/county/2024/11/05/volusia-county-chairman-jeff-brower-ahead-as-final-votes-come-in/76043975007/ |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Harper |first=Mark |date=2024-09-19 |title=Volusia County Republican Executive Committee backs Randy Dye for county chair |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/09/19/who-did-volusia-county-republican-party-endorse-in-county-chair-race/75285100007/ |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online |language=en}}</ref> |
Revision as of 10:02, 3 December 2024
American politicianJeff Brower | |
---|---|
File:Jeff Brower (Official portrait).jpgOfficial portrait, c. 2022 | |
Chairman of the Volusia County Council | |
Incumbent | |
Assumed office January 7, 2021 | |
Preceded by | Ed Kelley |
Personal details | |
Born | Jeffrey Brower Pennsylvania, U.S. |
Political party | Republican |
Spouse | Terri Brower |
Children | 9 |
Education | University of Florida (BS) |
Occupation |
|
Jeffrey Brower is an American politician and farmer who currently serves as Volusia County chairman. His tenure as county chair remains highly polarizing and controversial. He is an Anti-Trump member of the Republican Party.
In November 2024, Brower ignited a feud with Sheriff Mike Chitwood, insulting the sheriff and endorsing his opponent, who had a criminal record. Sheriff Chitwood condemned Brower's actions and his lack of support for law enforcement while in office.
Political career
In 2018, Brower was defeated in the Volusia County Council 1st district primary election. In 2020, Brower was elected county-wide as Volusia County chair with 56% of the vote, defeating Volusia County councilwoman Deb Denys. While in office, Brower has voted to protect sex offenders from stricter living requirements. He also voted for climate policy to stop climate change.
In early 2024, Brower and vice chair Troy Kent received negative public and media attention for opposing the construction of a much-needed fuel terminal in Ormond Beach. The remaining county council members approved the project and a moratorium vote failed by a 5-2 margin.
Brower ran for re-election in the 2024 Volusia County chair election. He was challenged by Port Orange Mayor Don Burnette; auto dealer Randy Dye, the father of stock car racer Daniel Dye; and former county councilwoman Deb Denys. Denys and Burnette were eliminated in the August primary, and Brower went on to narrowly win re-election with 51.4% of the vote in the November runoff against Dye. The Volusia County Republican Party voted to endorse Dye in the election.
Controversies
In 2022, Brower's son Brandon, 36, was arrested for DUI and resisting arrest in DeLand, Florida.
In July 2022, Brower allegedly violated county building code by failing to obtain a permit for a newly constructed roof on his home.
In August 2022, Brower accused the Volusia County Republican Party of poisoning his family dog.
In June 2023, Brower delivered an alarming speech urging Volusia County residents to "turn back to god" and save America from "satanic Marxists."
In October 2023, Brower voted against stricter living requirements for sexual offenders and predators in Volusia County.
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.
In November 2024, Brower ignited a feud with Sheriff Mike Chitwood, insulting the sheriff and endorsing convicted criminal James Powers for Volusia County Sheriff in 2024. Sheriff Chitwood condemned Brower's actions and his lack of support for law enforcement while in office.
Personal life
Brower is Protestant. He is married to his wife Terri. They have 9 children and live in the DeLeon Springs area.
References
- Harrison, Casmira. "Brower's big Volusia County chair win suggests "status quo" isn't acceptable". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
- Almenas, Jarleene (2022-08-02). "County Council Chair Jeff Brower accused of lying over 'political nature' of upcoming Wildlife Corridor workshop". Observer Local News. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- Gardner, Sheldon (2024-11-01). "Brower unscripted: County chair ignites feud with sheriff days before election in video". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-12-01.
- "Reporting Group (Election/Committees)". Volusia County Supervisor of Elections. 2024-08-18.
- "Volusia County's New Chairman: I'm Bringing Fresh Eyes to it". mynews13.com. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
- Gardner, Sheldon (2023-10-18). "Volusia County Council votes 5-2 to advance stricter rules for sexual predators, offenders". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- Almenas, Jarleene (2024-09-03). "Vote to disband Volusia County environmental board fails due to a tie". Observer Local News. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- Gardner, Sheldon. "County Council shifts gears, rejects development moratorium paving way for fuel terminal". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-05-14.
- Reed, Molly (2024-02-06). "Volusia County Council rejects heavy industrial moratorium, will process fuel farm site plans". WKMG. Retrieved 2024-05-14.
- Staff, A. O. L. (2023-07-08). "Update: Brower files papers for re-election, says he's 'taking the gloves off now'". www.aol.com. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
- "Businessman Randy Dye joins two others in a run for Volusia County Council Chair". Daytona Beach News Journal. (Florida). May 4, 2023.
- Zizo, Christie. "Jeff Brower wins reelection for Volusia County Council Chair seat". clickorlando.com. Retrieved 2024-12-02.
- Gardner, Sheldon. "Outspent and out-endorsed, Jeff Brower wins race for Volusia County Council chairman". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-11-09.
- Harper, Mark (2024-09-19). "Volusia County Republican Executive Committee backs Randy Dye for county chair". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- Frederick, Henry (2022-08-26). "Volusia County Chair Jeff Brower's Son Arrested on DUI Charges in DeLand, FL". headlinesurfer.com. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- "Complaint: County chair violated building code". Beacon Online News. 2023-07-25. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- Harper, Mark (2022-09-09). "Volusia Chair Jeff Brower says his family dog was poisoned; a political ally blames REC". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- Harper, Mark (2024-08-17). "Volusia County chair after June 2023 Trump indictment: Turn to God 'before blood is shed'". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- Gardner, Sheldon (2023-10-18). "Volusia County Council votes 5-2 to advance stricter rules for sexual predators, offenders". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- Gardner, Sheldon (2024-10-16). "Milton damages at $267M in Volusia; residents call for action on flooding". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- Clayton, James (2024-10-30). "Brower hasn't shown effective leadership". Beacon Online News. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- Gardner, Sheldon (2024-11-01). "Brower unscripted: County chair ignites feud with sheriff days before election in video". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-12-01.
- Harrison, Casmira. "Brower's big Volusia County chair win suggests "status quo" isn't acceptable". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-05-13.