Palm Coast Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri will be running for Flagler County Commission in 2026, she confirmed on Wednesday. Pontieri has served on the Palm Coast City Council since 2022, and she’ll be forgoing an attempt at a second term in office.
The seat Pontieri is pursuing is currently held by County Commissioner Greg Hansen. Earlier this month Hansen informed the public and his colleagues on the Commission that he wouldn’t be running for re-election.
The timing of Pontieri’s announcement was not wholly her doing. In a Wednesday press conference announcing federal funds for beach restoration, Congressman Randy Fine alluded to Pontieri’s imminent career move. Later in the day she sent out a release confirming her intentions for the 2026 election.
“Flagler County and its northeast communities—including the Hammock, Beverly Beach and areas east of I-95 to the ocean—deserve a commissioner who will protect our quality of life and ensure thoughtful leadership as we continue navigating a period of rapid change,” Pontieri said in her announcement. “I promise to continue to listen to constituents, hold regular town halls, work hard, govern with integrity, and lead with strength, passion, and the mindset of a servant leader. I look forward to the campaign trail and to earning the support of our community.”
As of Thursday, Pontieri is the only candidate filed to run in the District 2 race. Only one other candidate has filed for another seat; incumbent Leann Pennington is seeking re-election to her District 4 seat. Commission Chair Andy Dance and fellow commissioners Kim Carney and Pam Richardson won’t be up for re-election again until 2028.
Prior to running for public office, Pontieri has worked for several years as an attorney. Her career has included work in both the private and public sectors, including a stint with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
The 2022 election saw Pontieri’s first bid for elected office, in which she faced fellow candidates Sims Jones, Shauna Kanter, and Alan Lowe. She and Lowe advanced to the general election, which she won with 67.8% of the vote.
“I pledge to work hard with fellow commissioners, our neighboring cities, County Staff, and our state and federal partners to create a sustainable beach management plan to restore and maintain healthy beaches and dunes, recognizing that beach nourishment is essential for storm protection, economic vitality, and tourism,” Pontieri continued. “I will stay focused to ensure growth is guided by sound planning principles and will work tirelessly to protect natural areas such as the Hammock. Smart growth means preserving our natural beauty and quality of life while allowing thoughtful development that benefits everyone.”
