Florida
Duval County Judicial Race Draws Two Private Attorneys Focused on Legal Standards and Integrity
Matt Lufrano, a criminal defense attorney who previously sought a judicial seat in 2024, and Latoya Williams Shelton, a family and personal injury attorney, are campaigning for the County Court judge Group 1 seat The post Open Duval County Group…
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Key points
- Attorneys Matt Lufrano and Latoya Williams Shelton are running for Duval County Court Judge Group 1 in the August primary.
- Lufrano emphasizes upholding written law, judicial integrity, and public service in his campaign.
- Williams Shelton’s campaign declined interviews regarding her background and legal representation record as early voting begins August 7.
NewsWK — Two private practice attorneys in Jacksonville are competing in the upcoming August primary for an open judicial seat on the Duval County Court, highlighting candidate qualifications and commitment to the rule of law.
According to a report first published by The Florida Trib, criminal defense attorney Matt Lufrano and family law attorney Latoya Williams Shelton are campaigning for the Group 1 county judge seat. The position is being vacated by retiring Judge Scott Mitchell.
Matt Lufrano Focuses on Judicial Integrity
Lufrano began his legal career as a public defender before establishing a private practice in 2014. He previously sought a judicial post in 2024 and currently serves as board president for Jewish Family and Community Services while performing pro bono work with Jacksonville Area Legal Aid.
In statements provided to The Florida Trib, Lufrano emphasized statutory compliance and public trust in the legal system as core motivations for his candidacy.
“I want to do what I can to preserve the integrity of our system of justice, and that has a couple meanings, but part of it is making sure that our laws are followed, making sure that people have faith in our judicial system,” Lufrano said to the original outlet.
He added that judicial officers must maintain a perspective focused on public service. “Judges are really supposed to be servants to the people. They’re not supposed to lord over people,” Lufrano noted.
Latoya Williams Shelton’s Background and Record
Williams Shelton established her own practice in 2010 focusing on family law and personal injury cases. Campaign materials highlight her mentorship of high school students and service on the Jacksonville Area Legal Aid board.
As reported by The Florida Trib, Williams Shelton represented her husband, Vernon Shelton, during a 2019 Florida Department of Education ethical review concerning inappropriate electronic communications with a student. That proceeding resulted in a reprimand, probation, ethics coursework, and a fine. Public workplace records indicate her husband later resigned from a municipal management role following separate workplace conduct complaints earlier this year. Williams Shelton’s campaign declined interview requests and did not comment regarding those matters.
Electoral Timeline
Early voting for the primary contest begins August 7. The Group 1 race is one of two contested county judicial contests on the local ballot, alongside three sitting county judges who advanced without opposition.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting by Molly Farrar originally published by The Florida Trib. Read the original story.
