News Summary
Former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn tops the polls for the 2027 mayoral race, garnering 49% support in a recent survey. His closest competitor, Bill Carlson, trails with 22%. With a 58% favorability rating, Buckhorn’s potential candidacy signals a competitive election ahead. As he prepares to return to public office, the political landscape in Tampa is shifting, particularly following the current mayor’s term limits. Buckhorn’s impressive track record and community involvement position him as a key contender for the future of Tampa.
Tampa – Former Mayor Bob Buckhorn is leading in polls for a potential run in the 2027 mayoral race, showing significant support among voters. A recent poll conducted by Mercury Public Affairs indicates that Buckhorn commands 49% of the vote in a hypothetical five-way contest, placing him well ahead of his closest competitor, City Council member Bill Carlson, who trails with 22% support.
Other names in the poll include State Senator Jay Collins and House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell, receiving 9% and 12% of voter support, respectively. If the election were to take place today, Buckhorn would likely face Carlson in a runoff, leading with 39% to Carlson’s 17% according to the survey’s findings.
Buckhorn enjoys a 58% favorability rating among respondents, with only 19% viewing him unfavorably. This strong support is notable, especially since no candidates have officially declared their intention to run for the mayoral race at this time. However, both Buckhorn and Carlson are widely expected to enter the contest.
The political landscape in Tampa favors Democrats, as the city boasts over 79,000 registered Democrats compared to just over 62,000 registered Republicans. This demographic advantage could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the election, especially as current Tampa Mayor Jane Castor faces term limits, paving the way for new candidates.
Bob Buckhorn previously served as the Mayor of Tampa from 2011 to 2019. During his administration, he effectively addressed a $30 million budget deficit, spearheaded strategic investments in infrastructure, and revitalized public spaces throughout the city. His leadership was characterized by a commitment to inclusive growth, transforming Tampa into a city that attracts talent rather than losing it.
After his tenure as mayor, Buckhorn took on the role of Executive Vice President and Principal at Shumaker Advisors, where he plays an active role in navigating statewide urban policy and civic challenges. His legacy is marked by resilience and community service, illustrating the significant impact of leadership on local communities. He continues to emphasize the importance of humility and trust, and he remains committed to mentoring future leaders in Tampa.
Recently, Buckhorn attended a luncheon organized by influential local figures, further signaling his interest in returning to political office. Meanwhile, current City Council member Luis Viera has announced he will not run for mayor, creating an open field of candidates for the 2027 race. Viera is instead exploring other political opportunities at the county or state level as he completes his current term on the council.
Buckhorn is eligible to run again for mayor, as the two full terms since his previous tenure would have expired by the time he is inaugurated, if victorious. His established record and ongoing engagement in community and civic matters position him as a formidable candidate in the upcoming election.
As the political scene begins to heat up ahead of the 2027 mayoral race, all eyes will be on Bob Buckhorn and his potential candidacy, alongside other possible contenders seeking to fill the void left by Mayor Castor’s impending term limits. With strong backing in polls and a history of effective leadership, Buckhorn appears to be a key player in shaping the future of Tampa.
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Additional Resources
- TBBW: Bob Buckhorn Icon Award
- Wikipedia: Bob Buckhorn
- Florida Politics: Bob Buckhorn Polling
- Google Search: Bob Buckhorn Mayoral Race
- Florida Politics: Luis Viera’s Decision
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Local Government
- Florida Politics: Jane Castor’s Address
- Google News: Bob Buckhorn Tampa
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
