TEQUESTA – Village Council candidate Julie Mitchell has withdrawn from the race following an incident last week in which police say she stabbed two people at her home with a knife.
Mitchell was one of two candidates running to fill Tequesta Council Seat 1 that was vacated at the end of October by Frank D’Ambra when he moved out of town. An interim council member was appointed but is not running to fill the opening permanently.
Her withdrawal leaves the seat to her opponent Jayson French, who has worked as a firefighter for the past 17 years.
Although the council election is not until March 19, the qualifying period for candidates has closed. As such, French will win the seat unopposed as it is not possible for another candidate to enter the race at this time.
Mitchell, who was arrested Thursday and is being held without bail in the county jail, was unavailable for comment Wednesday.
French, now unopposed, will be sworn in at the April 11 council meeting, according to a village spokesperson.
“My family and I will be praying for the Mitchell family during this difficult time. I know our special Tequesta community will come together for any support they may need,” French said Wednesday.