“I’m running because I believe in a simple idea: we can build a Jacksonville that works for everyone,” Deegan said.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Mayor Donna Deegan filed April 16 for re-election as she seeks to become the first Democrat to win a second term in more than four decades.
Deegan made it official by turning in her campaign paperwork at the Duval County Supervisor of Elections office in downtown.
“I’m running because I believe in a simple idea: we can build a Jacksonville that works for everyone,” Deegan said. “From day one, we built this administration by listening, hosting town halls across the city, and turning your feedback into action. We’ve gotten a lot done together, and we’re just getting started.”
She said she she has built a record since taking office in July 2023 for advances in neighborhoods, public safety, affordability and economic development in downtown.
Deegan’s political committee Duval for All has raised about $1.62 million for the election in spring 2027.
No major Republican has filed yet to challenge her. State Rep. Wyman Duggan, Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland, and City Council member Ron Salem are among the elected officials who have shown interest or been mentioned in political circles as possible contenders.
Jacksonville has become a purple county in recent years with voters swinging between support for Republicans and Democrats in local, state and federal races.
After Alvin Brown won election as a Democrat in 2011, he lost his re-election to Lenny Curry in 2015. Curry, a Republican, then won re-election in 2019. He couldn’t run again because of term limits. Deegan won in 2023 and became the first female mayor of Jacksonville.
The last time a Democrat was re-elected as mayor in Jacksonville was when Jake Godbold did it in 1983.
Editor’s note: This article was first published by our news partners, The Florida Times-Union.