About Octavius Holliday Jr. - Candidate for Duval County Judge

Octavius Holliday Jr. is a dedicated public servant, seasoned prosecutor, mentor, and community leader who brings a lifetime of lived experience, professional excellence, and commitment to justice to his campaign for the Duval County judiciary.

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Born and raised as the youngest of three children in Seminole County, Florida, Octavius is the son of a Jamaican immigrant father who had a sixth-grade education and a mother who graduated from a segregated high school in Eatonville, FL. From an early age he learned the value of hard work, resilience, and purpose. Even as a standout athlete - captain of his high school football and basketball teams and champion of the 800-meter run at the 1989 Bob Hayes Invitational - he made a promise to his parents that one day he would live in Jacksonville.

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His academic achievements mirrored his athletic prowess. Octavius earned a full scholarship to Duke University, where he excelled as a student-athlete and welcomed his first set of twins during his senior year. After graduating, he supported his young family while working long hours at Red Lobster in Durham, NC, Orlando, and Gainesville - including while attending law school - demonstrating perseverance, discipline, and dedication to his responsibilities.

Octavius went on to earn his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida College of Law, and in 2003 he moved to Duval County with his family to begin his legal career as a prosecutor. Since then, he has served with distinction in the State Attorney’s Office for the 4th Judicial Circuit, taking on increasing leadership roles, including as Director of the Human Rights Division and the Community Crime Strategies Unit. In this role, he has been at the forefront of initiatives that strengthen community safety, champion equity, and build trust between residents and the justice system.

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His professional achievements have earned statewide recognition:

• 2025 Jacksonville Daily Record Lawyer of the Year, awarded by the Jacksonville Bar Association in recognition of his exceptional service to the legal community and mentorship of the next generation of leaders.

• 2024 Florida Bar Claude Pepper Outstanding Government Lawyer Award, honoring his exemplary contributions as a government attorney and leader in community outreach.

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Beyond his legal career, Octavius is deeply engaged with the Jacksonville community. He has been active with 100 Black Men of America and serves as President of the Jacksonville Graduate Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., where he oversees mentoring programs that uplift young men and cultivate academic success.

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He is also a dedicated and loyal husband to wife Hui Min Holliday (Raines High chool Teacher of the Year 2022), father of two sets of biological twins and three bonus children and grandfather - a leader who understands the challenges and aspirations of everyday families, and who is committed to fairness, integrity, and justice for all.