Octavius Holliday Jr., 54, is running for Duval County Court Judge, Group 13, Division M, in the Nov. 3 general election. The nonpartisan race is to replace retiring Judge Mose Floyd, according to The Florida Trib. Melina Buncome is also running for the seat.

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: High school diploma, Lyman High School, 1990; bachelor of arts in political science and government, Duke University, 1995; juris doctor, University of Florida, 2002.

Family: Holliday said he is "Married to Duval County Schools Assistant Principal and former teacher of the year, Hui Min Holliday." He said he has "Four accomplished Biological children - two sets of twins."

Background: Holliday said he was "Born and raised as the youngest of three children in Seminole County, Florida." He 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."

Experience and public service

Work history: Holliday described his career 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. …"

He said the Human Rights Division is "the first such division in the State of Florida" and "investigates and prosecutes Exploitation and Abuse of Elderly and Disabled Adults, Hate Crimes, and Human Trafficking cases."

Community involvement: Holliday said he is a past president of the D.W. Perkins Bar Association, president of the Jacksonville Graduate Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., a member of 100 Black Men of America and a board member of the Jacksonville Journey Board. He said he volunteers with the Police Athletic League and the Jacksonville Urban League Youth Crime Reduction Initiative.

Accomplishments: Holliday said in our questionnaire he would cite: "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

Critical differences from opponent: Holliday said: "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 …"

Prosecution and defense experience: Asked what having experience on both sides of the courtroom means for his approach, Holliday said: "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."