As part of our commitment to providing you with what you need to make an informed decision in the 2026 elections, News 6 joined with the News Collaborative of Central Florida to present the Voting Central Florida 2026 Voter’s Guide.
Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.
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[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]
Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.
However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.
Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.
Fifth Circuit Judge – Group 27 candidates
The Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida handles state civil and criminal cases for Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion and Sumter counties. These are nonpartisan races, open to all voters.
Of the 11 groups up for election this year, only Group 27 drew more than one candidate. Nicole Morris and Lisa Yeager are running to be the judge for this seat. Morris is the chief assistant public defender in Citrus County, and Yeager has served as an assistant state attorney for the Fifth Circuit.
The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.
Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.
Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for Florida House District 47. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile.
You can see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.
Nicole Morris
WEBSITE: electmorris4judge.com/
What is your occupation?
I am currently the Chief Assistant Public Defender in Citrus County. I have worked at the Public Defender’s Office in both Lake County and Citrus County since 2021. Before that, I was an Assistant State Attorney in Citrus County for a little over 5 years.
What is your education?
I graduated from South Lake High School in Lake County, FL, where I was Valedictorian in 2008. Then, I attended the University of Florida, where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. After that, I attended Stetson University College of Law and graduated Cum Laude with my Juris Doctor in 2015.
What role should personal values play in judicial decision-making?
Personal values such as integrity, fairness, and respect are important because they guide a judge’s professionalism and temperament. However, judicial decisions must be based on the facts, the law, and the Constitution--not personal opinions or preferences. A judge’s duty is to apply the law impartially, treat everyone with dignity and respect, and ensure every person receives a fair hearing.
What professional experiences have best prepared you for the bench?
My experience serving on both sides of the courtroom has best prepared me for the bench. As a former prosecutor and now Chief Assistant Public Defender, I have gained a broad perspective on our justice system while handling a wide range of cases. Those experiences have reinforced the importance of fairness, impartiality, and applying the law as written. Combined with my leadership and courtroom experience, they have prepared me to serve effectively as a Circuit Judge.
How do you balance precedent with evolving societal standards?
A judge’s role is to follow the law and apply binding precedent, not to create new law based on changing societal views. As societal standards evolve, it is the responsibility of the legislature to enact laws that reflect those changes. The judiciary’s role is to apply those laws as written and follow controlling precedent, while ensuring every person is treated fairly, impartially, and with respect.
What steps do you take to avoid conflicts of interest?
As a judge, I would avoid conflicts of interest by carefully reviewing each case to identify any personal, professional, financial, or prior involvement that could affect--or appear to affect--my impartiality. As Chief Assistant Public Defender, I routinely review conflicts involving both my own cases and those of the attorneys I supervise. When a conflict exists, I would make the required disclosures and recuse myself when appropriate to maintain public confidence in the judiciary.
What barriers to justice do you see in the current system, and how would you address them?
One of the biggest barriers to justice is that many people find the legal system confusing and difficult to navigate, especially those without legal representation. Delays in resolving cases can also create significant hardships. While judges do not make policy, they can promote fairness by managing cases efficiently, treating all parties with respect, and ensuring everyone has a meaningful opportunity to be heard.
Lisa Yeager
WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/p/Lisa-Yeager-for-Circuit-Court-Judge-61586569805880/
What is your occupation?
Attorney
What is your education?
- University of Central Florida - BA in Legal Studies - 1993
- University of Florida - Juris Doctorate - 2000
What role should personal values play in judicial decision-making?
Personal values should not influence judicial decision-making. A judge’s responsibility is to apply the law faithfully and impartially, not to create or reshape it based on personal beliefs. Lawmaking belongs to the legislature. While my conservative values are important to me personally, they should have no role in the judicial decisions I would make. In that role, my duty would be to follow the law as written and apply binding legal authority fairly.
What professional experiences have best prepared you for the bench?
I am a well-rounded attorney with experience in public service, private practice, courtroom advocacy, leadership, and client-centered representation. During my nearly sixteen years with the State Attorney’s Office, I handled a range of cases. My most recent docket handling sex crimes, crimes against children, and internet crimes against children. During my time in private practice, I handled criminal defense, civil, dependency, and family law.
How do you balance precedent with evolving societal standards?
A judge’s role is to follow established precedent. When societal standards evolve, it is the legislature’s responsibility to decide whether the law should be changed. Even while applying binding precedent, a judge may note disagreement in the order. For example, the judge could include a footnote explaining that the precedent was followed because it was controlling, even though the judge disagreed with its reasoning or outcome.
What steps do you take to avoid conflicts of interest?
To avoid conflicts of interest, I would follow clear ethical policies, maintain transparency, and take prompt action whenever a potential conflict arises.
- Disclose any personal, financial, or professional interest that could affect, or appear to affect, impartiality.
- Evaluate potential conflicts carefully under the applicable rules and standards.
- Recuse myself immediately from any case in which my impartiality could reasonably be questioned.
What barriers to justice do you see in the current system, and how would you address them?
Practical barriers can limit access to the judicial system.
- Cost of litigation: Legal expenses and lengthy proceedings can discourage people from pursuing relief. Efficient docket management reduces delays and promotes timely outcomes.
- Access to court proceedings: Brief hearings can still require people to miss work. Remote hearings can reduce that burden by allowing participants to attend short proceedings with less disruption.