Voters will choose two City Commissioners in the March 2026 municipal election. Madeira Beach’s qualifying period runs through Dec. 12.
Photo by Cameron Healy
Madeira Beach is gearing up for its March 10, 2026 municipal election, with two City Commission seats on the ballot and several candidates already signaling plans to run.
As the election cycle begins, the City has released details on qualifying rules, residency requirements, and how potential candidates can participate.
Seats on the Ballot
Voters will decide two City Commission races:
Commission District 1
Commission District 2
These seats represent the next scheduled rotation in the City’s staggered commission election structure.
Candidate Qualifying Period Opens in December
The official Candidate Qualifying Period closes at noon on Friday, Dec. 12.
Because weekends are excluded, candidates must submit all required paperwork during regular business days within this window.
Residency and Eligibility Requirements
Madeira Beach requires all candidates to meet specific local eligibility rules:
Candidates must be qualified electors of Madeira Beach.
Candidates must have been residents of the city for at least one year immediately before they qualify.
Additionally, candidates must have lived in their declared district for at least six months prior to the date of their application.
These rules ensure candidates have an established connection to the community they seek to represent.
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Key Election Dates
Election Day takes place Tuesday, March 10, 2026, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. This date matches the countywide municipal election schedule. The last day to register to vote is Monday, Feb. 9, 2026.
Who Can Vote?
Madeira Beach uses a mixed structure for its elected officials. The City has a mayor and four district commissioners.
Commissioners must live in the district they represent, but Madeira Beach uses at-large voting. That means all registered Madeira Beach voters may vote for every commission seat on the ballot — regardless of where they live. The mayor is also elected at-large.
Where to Pick Up Candidate Packets
Potential candidates may access qualifying packets:
Online: on the City of Madeira Beach website
In person: at the City Clerk’s Office (300 Municipal Dr., Madeira Beach)
All candidates must contact the City’s qualifying officer — the City Clerk — for official guidance, required forms, and submission procedures.
Candidates Who Have Pre-Filed
Several individuals have already pre-filed or publicly stated their intent to run:
David Tagliarini — Commission District 1 (incumbent)
Ray Kerr — Commission District 2 (incumbent)
Chuck Dillon — Commission District 2
These pre-filing announcements signal early interest in the race but do not guarantee placement on the ballot until formal qualification occurs.
What Happens Next?
As the qualifying period approaches, Madeira Beach voters can expect more candidate announcements, campaign launches, and election information from the City. The March 10 election promises to shape local leadership for the years ahead.
The Gabber Newspaper will publish the official list once the qualifying window closes.
The Gabber Newspaper’s Election Coverage
As a newspaper, it is not our job to have an opinion about the campaigns and candidates. Our job is to report what happens, what key players say and do, and any legal activity concerning the campaign. This includes reporting on campaign finance, basic investigation into the candidates (and, as warranted, their families), and any unusual activity involving the campaigns. Read The Gabber Newspaper‘s full statement on our elections ethics.
Want More Election News?
The Gabber Newspaper covers elections on the South Pinellas beaches, Gulfport, and South Pasadena. Want to make an informed decision at the polls? Subscribe to our weekly newsletters. And make thegabber.com your homepage to stay up-to-date on all the news in Gulfport, South Pinellas, and the beaches.