My name is Chris O’Brian and I am proud to announce my candidacy for District 1 County Commissioner in Madison County. My roots run deep here, my family has served this community for decades. I was raised here but moved away to serve in the US Air Force and then went into the business world in Canton, Ga. I moved back to Madison to raise my daughter through her teenage years here so she could understand the values that come from living in a community like ours. I am an active member of Madison Methodist Church and believe strong Christian values are needed to guide community leaders to make the best decisions.
I am running because I believe in serving this community with integrity, practical experience and a clear vision for our future. My life has been built around service—through the United States Air Force, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and my work as a small business owner—and I am ready to bring that experience to county leadership.
My commitment to service began in the United States Air Force, where I learned discipline, accountability and the importance of mission-focused leadership. My time in the military shaped how I approach challenges today, emphasizing preparation, strong infrastructure, and responsible planning—principles I believe are critical for Madison County’s continued success.
After my military service, I continued serving our community through the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. That experience allowed me to work directly with residents across the county and understand the real challenges facing our families, farmers, and local businesses. It reinforced my belief that strong communities are built through trust, responsiveness and leadership that stays connected to the people it serves.
I am also the founder of Forgotten Coast K9, a nonprofit providing service dogs throughout Florida and across the country. Through this work, I have developed relationships across North Florida and across the country while gaining firsthand knowledge of what it takes to create jobs, support local enterprise and navigate the challenges facing small businesses. I understand the importance of cutting unnecessary red tape and creating an environment where businesses can grow and succeed.
Creating jobs and supporting local businesses are at the center of my campaign. Madison County has tremendous potential, and I believe we can grow our economy responsibly while staying true to our values. By supporting agriculture, encouraging small business development and attracting the right kinds of opportunities, we can build a stronger future without losing what makes our community special.
Infrastructure is another top priority for me. Maintaining and improving our roads, drainage systems and public facilities is essential for both safety and growth. I believe in making smart, responsible investments that serve our residents today while preparing for the future, all while respecting taxpayer dollars.
Preserving our rural way of life is deeply important to me. Madison County’s identity is rooted in its land, its traditions and its people. I am committed to protecting private property rights, supporting agriculture and ensuring that growth is thoughtful and balanced so that we do not lose the character of our community.
I am also committed to protecting our natural resources, especially our water. These resources are vital to our way of life, our economy and future generations. I will support responsible policies that safeguard our environment while recognizing its importance to agriculture and everyday life in Madison County.
I am running for County Commissioner District 1 because I care about this community and believe we deserve leadership that listens, works hard and focuses on what matters most—jobs, infrastructure and preserving the way of life we all value. Madison County is my home, and I am committed to helping it thrive.
Political advertisement paid for and approved by Chris O’Brian, Republican, for Madison County Commissioner, District One.