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Bob Buckhorn Launches 2027 Tampa Mayoral Bid for Nonconsecutive Third Term

A hefty war chest signals an early edge built on broad name recognition.

Overview

  • Bob Buckhorn, who filed Monday, rolled out a campaign website and a launch video featuring testimonials from residents and first responders.
  • He previously led Tampa from 2011 to 2019 and can run again because city rules allow a return after sitting out two mayoral terms.
  • He reports $1.8 million raised through his committee, Friends of Bob Buckhorn, which dwarfs the totals reported by other declared candidates.
  • The field already includes Councilwoman Lynn Hurtak, and Councilman Bill Carlson is expected to enter the race.
  • His platform stresses linking waterfront districts with neighborhoods and tackling transportation he calls the city's Achilles heel, including support for a new dedicated funding referendum after the 2018 tax was struck down.