Former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn filed the paperwork Monday morning to enter the 2027 race, more than six years after leaving the office.

TAMPA, Fla. — A familiar face has officially placed his bid to become Tampa’s next mayor.

Former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn filed the paperwork Monday morning to enter the 2027 race, more than six years after leaving the office.

The Democratic nominee says his 2027 campaign will focus on building the city’s next chapter with “proven leadership, real results, and a future that reaches every neighborhood.”

“I’m stepping forward because I believe in a simple idea: A Tampa for All of Us,” Buckhorn said.

Buckhorn was Tampa mayor between 2011-2019, before being succeeded by current Mayor Jane Castor. He is often credited for helping expand the Tampa Riverwalk, which is now home to the recently named Bob Buckhorn River Center.

The former mayor also spoke on leading Tampa through the aftermath of the great recession, a period he said set the course to change the community forever.

“I think through that eight-year period, we succeeded,” Buckhorn said. “In our wildest expectations, this community has been transformed into a place in America where the best and the brightest want to be. Now, it’s time to write that next chapter.”

While the city does not allow more than two consecutive terms, previous mayors can be eligible to run again after leaving office.

The former mayor previously confirmed rumors that he would run in 2027 back in June.

“It’s probably the worst-kept secret in Tampa,” Buckhorn said at the time. “I think Tampa’s at a pivotal point, and I think we have some more chapters to write. I think we have some things to fix that come as a result of our success, whether it’s, you know, stormwater or traffic or potholes or whatever. And to the extent that I can make a difference and help write some of those chapters, yeah, I’m gonna do it.”

Buckhorn joins several other names who’ve already entered the race, including City Councilwoman Lynn Hurtak, Alan Henderson and Taryn Sabia.

“Elections are always about the future, not the past. So I’m not running for a redo. I’m not running for Bob Buckhorn 2.0. I’m running to help this city get to that next level, write its next chapters, and then I’m going home,” Buckhorn said.