TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – There are now 11 candidates battling to replace term-limited Jane Castor.
On Wednesday, Tampa Councilman Bill Carlson filed to run. Since 2019, Carlson has been serving on council. His children helped him with both campaigns. He said, even though they’re older, they are still involved and helping with his mayoral launch. Carlson said getting his children involved reflects Tampa’s environment for families.
John Morgan offers reward to help name his new political party
“If you want to raise a family here and have a high quality of life, Tampa is one of the best places in the world,” Carlson said.
Carlson also said there are some challenges he wants to address and being mayor is the best way to solve those issues that position sets the agenda for council to consider.
“Mainly it’s about bringing better government and a more representative government to the community and being more efficient with dollars.
Carlson added that his administration, if elected, will focus more on road and sidewalk repairs along with flood mitigation.
Former Mayor Bob Buckhorn is running for his old job back and also officially filed this week.
“I’m not running for a redo. I’m not running for Bob Buckhorn 2.0. I’m running to help get this city to that next level, write its next chapter and then I’m going home,” Buckhorn said.
Tampa Councilwoman Lynn Hurtak is also on the mayoral candidate list.
The mayoral election is on March 2nd of next year and a runoff is scheduled on April 27, 2027.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.