TAMPA, Fla. — A former Tampa mayor is officially running to be the city’s next mayor.
Bob Buckhorn filed his paperwork to enter the race on Monday.
He previously served as mayor from 2011 to 2019.
Buckhorn spoke at a campaign kickoff event Monday and cited how he led the city through a recession. He emphasized the importance of Tampa’s diversity.
“I’m running to build a city that is the envy of the nation, and to continue down this path that we set out on 10 years ago,” he said. “We’ve proven we can do it. I’ve already done it. Now it’s time to write our next chapter.”
He said some of his top priorities include fixing the permitting process and making transportation more efficient.
In a news release, Buckhorn said he wants to build a “A Tampa for All of Us.”
“I’m running to help shape Tampa’s future — building on what’s working and making sure every neighborhood shares in our progress. I know what it takes to deliver.”
He said that building Tampa’s future will require a shared effort across the community.
“But I can’t do it alone — we need each and every one of you.”
Current Mayor Jane Castor leaves office in 2027 because of term limits.
So far, two candidates have filed to run for mayor: Alan Henderson, an entrepreneur, and Julie Magill, a real estate broker.
The 2027 Tampa mayoral election will be held on March 2, 2027.