Guy Lalonde, Sam Simmons headed to runoff as Chad McLeod wins Lakeland Commission seat

Image via City of Lakeland.

Voters in Lakeland decisively re-elected one City Commissioner. But another race appears to be headed for a December runoff.

Earlier this evening, it appeared interim Northwest District City Commissioner Sam Simmons had lost his seat to Lakeland Moonwalk CEO Guy Lalonde Jr., who defeated neighborhood leader Lolita Berrien. But it looks like Lalonde fell short of a majority, meaning the race will head to a Dec. 5 runoff.

At-large City Commissioner Chad McLeod defeated two challengers, construction executive Dennis Odisho and nurse practitioner Kay Klymko.

Unofficial election results show McLeod won almost 58% of the vote. Klymko won nearly 27.5%. Odisho won 14.6%.

McLeod first won election in 2020 and just secured a second term. He committed to making Lakeland a place where small and large businesses alike can grow. He also wants investments in public safety, including a new fire station in North Lakeland.

“I look forward to building on the work I’ve done over the last four years,” he said in a campaign video. “It’s an honor and privilege to serve as one of your Lakeland City Commissioners.”

Meanwhile, Simmons was appointed to his seat in October, filling out the term of former City Commissioner Phillip Walker when he ran for state office. Lalonde notably applied for the position at that time.

With all precincts in, Lalonde had a strong lead but won just 48% of the vote to Simmons’ 30.1%, while Berrien won 21.1%. With no candidate receiving a majority, a runoff must be held on Dec. 5.

On his campaign website, Simmons focused on affordable housing and economic development directed toward small-business growth.

“I have experience with serving the Northwest Webster Park community and City of Lakeland for over 20 years.” Simmons wrote on his website. “Through years of dedicated and diligent service, I have committed myself to invoking positive social change for the community I am serving. Through God’s glory, my platform maintains a Christ-centered approach in the areas of governance, leadership and service.”