Rep. Josie Tomkow, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Lt. Gov. Jay Collins all earned solid recognition on the list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians, each having either shaped policy or ruffled The Process, even as two of the three — Tomkow and Simpson — aren’t often thought of as Tampa Bay area politicians, strictly speaking. Simpson and Tomkow both live on the periphery of the region, but affect it nonetheless.
For Tomkow, her recent election upset reminded that even the state’s most powerful can be vulnerable in the wrong political winds, but that strength perseveres to the next round. Simpson, meanwhile, shifted from being a force as Senate President to now an independent voice for Florida’s farmers and consumers. And Collins, as Gov. Ron DeSantis’ No. 2, has seen a meteoric rise in Florida politics culminating in his bid for Governor.
For Tomkow and Collins, political fortunes could improve after November, or they could find themselves at a political crossroads. But for now, they, along with Simpson, are among the state’s top power brokers.
Tomkow
Facing term limits in the House this year, Tomkow set her sights on the Senate District 14 seat, which Collins vacated after he was appointed Lieutenant Governor. But a Special Election set in a Midterm year at a time when Floridians were facing rising prices — including a gas price surge brought on by an unpopular war — found Tomkow on the losing end of a major upset.
Tomkow faced Brian Nathan for the seat, losing by just 405 votes and landing narrowly outside recount territory. Her loss came despite having a better-funded operation and the backing of some of the state’s biggest names in politics.
But ask Tomkow and she’ll tell you the defeat is only temporary. As she announced on Election Night in March, she’ll be back on the ballot in November, likely against Nathan again. While political winds — and historic precedent — continue to show Democrats with an edge this election cycle, Tomkow will no doubt be able to continue dominating fundraising and wage a competitive rematch.
Even excluding any 2026 maneuvering, Tomkow has been on the rise. The Polk City Republican and cattle rancher has served as a key member of Speaker Daniel Perez’s leadership team and has helped shape numerous legislative packages beyond just her own bills. She chaired the Health and Human Services Committee in the 2024-2026 term and in 2025 chaired the Select Committee on Illegal Immigration. She also served on the powerful Budget Committee, which controls the state’s purse strings.
“Josie Tomkow has remained a visible and committed leader in Florida politics, even in the face of a difficult and closely watched Senate special election. Her willingness to step into a competitive race and keep making the case for her district reflects real public service,” said Melody Arnold, Senior Director of Government and Community Affairs for RSA Consulting.
Tomkow also landed on this list in 2025, as a notable mention.
Simpson
Missing the cut last year, Simpson has found his way back onto the list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians, though just narrowly outside the Top 25. His last appearance on the list was in 2024, also as an honorable mention. But he once topped the list, at No. 1 in 2022, when he was Senate President.
“I could talk for an hour about this guy. Wilton is the same person today as when he was first elected. While this process can change people, he has stayed grounded throughout, and it is no surprise to those who know him that his influence continues to grow. Pasco County and the State are better off because of his leadership,” said Shawn Foster, owner and founder of Sunrise Consulting.
While Simpson’s leadership may not be quite as forward-facing as when he wielded the gavel, his influence is still sizable. A Trilby egg farmer himself, few people in Florida have been as stalwart an advocate for Florida farmers as Simpson.
As Agriculture Commissioner, Simpson was instrumental in advocating for this year’s Florida Farm Bill (SB 290), which builds on the 2021 Right to Farm Bill shielding Florida farms from frivolous lawsuits caused by urban expansion. This year’s bill increased protections against disparagement of agricultural commodities, including nonperishable products, such as peanuts, cotton, rice, timber, sugar and canned fruits and vegetables.
Simpson remains one of the most recognizable and important politicians in the state. And much of his work for the region, including during his days as a lawmaker, will be felt for years to come.
“Wilton Simpson is an exceptional leader — strong, strategic, and incredibly effective,” said Matthew Blair, Managing Partner for Corcoran Partners.
Collins
Now officially a candidate for Governor, Collins has in recent weeks been polling second in the Republican Primary, behind front-runner Byron Donalds.
While Collins has polled at the low end in mid-single digits, and at the high end in low-double digits, his bid puts the former Senator at the height of power in Florida politics. Despite the long odds toward victory, Collins is a possible alternative for Republicans frustrated with President Donald Trump’s policies and rhetoric, especially amid the unpopular Iran war and the resulting rising gas prices.
For now, Donalds has benefited from Trump’s coveted “complete and total” endorsement. But there is at least some chance that support could turn to liability among GOP Primary voters, however unlikely that scenario may be.
And Collins has proven himself a worthy warrior, both on the battlefield and in the battle over legislation. A Green Beret, Collins initially ran for Senate in 2022, defeating incumbent Democrat Janet Cruz and flipping the seat red after she had flipped it blue just four years prior. His campaign centered on his military service, during which he earned a Purple Heart after suffering combat injuries that resulted in the amputation of one of his legs.
Collins served in the Senate until August, when he was appointed Lieutenant Governor. His appointment came after Collins served as a staunch ally to DeSantis, who had previously endorsed his Senate bid, likely helping to ensure the Montana native was unopposed in the Primary.
With the Governor’s race this year, Collins’ star could again further rise, though a defeat could complicate his next political moves. But for now, Collins remains one of the most influential politicians in the Tampa Bay area.
“Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins is a steady and principled leader who brings a strong sense of duty and service to everything he does. He leads with integrity and a clear focus on results. He is driven by a deep commitment to helping others and doing what is right,” Foster said.
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As for methodology, the Tampa Bay region is defined as Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties, with Hernando, Polk and Sarasota included when their elected officials impact Pinellas or Hillsborough.
A politician is defined as someone currently in office or actively running for office.
Panelists ranked their Top 25, with a first-place vote earning 25 points, second place earning 24, and so on down to 1 point for 25th. Those totals were combined to produce the final list.
We also want to thank our experienced and knowledgeable panelists, who were essential to developing the 2026 list: Vinik Family Office Chief of Staff Christina Barker; former St. Petersburg City Council member Robert Blackmon; Mercury Public Affairs Managing Director Ashley Bauman; Michael Corcoran and Matt Blair of Corcoran Partners; former Sen. Jeff Brandes; Stephanie Cardozo of The Southern Group; Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick managing partner Ron Christaldi; political consultant/strategist Barry Edwards; Vicidial Group President Matt Florell; Sunrise Consulting Group President Shawn Foster; businessman Michael Griffin; St. Pete Catalyst Publisher Joe Hamilton; Clay Hollis of Tucker/Hall; Natalie King of RSA Consulting Group; Moffitt Cancer Center VP of Public Affairs and Communications Merritt Martin; political consultant Chris Mitchell; Mike Moore of The Southern Group; RSA President and CEO Ron Pierce; Tucker/Hall CEO Darren Richards; political consultant Jim Rimes; political consultant Preston Rudie of Catalyst Communications Group; TECO Vice President of State and Regional Affairs Stephanie Smith; lobbyist Alan Suskey of Shumaker Advisors; and Michelle and Peter Schorsch, publishers of Florida Politics.