This will be Citro’s fourth bid for City Council.
Former Tampa City Council member Joe Citro is running to reclaim his old seat, he announced Thursday. Citro filed to run in District 1, against incumbent Alan Clendenin, who unseated Citro in 2023.
“I will be fearless in ensuring that Tampa’s budget will fund all departments as to work effectively and efficiently for all. Fighting for all neighborhoods while remembering the rights of property owners,” Citro wrote on Facebook.
“This will only be made possible with your vote on February 1, 2027!! Thank you Tampa and let’s keep moving forward!!”
Citro was elected to the City Council in 2019, defeating Walter Smith in a runoff. He lost his seat four years later, finishing third behind Sonja Brookins and Clendenin.
While Clendenin has not yet filed for re-election to the District 1 seat, he is expected to do so. But so far, Citro is the only candidate filed for the race.
Clendenin and Citro have been frequent foes. While the incumbent bested Citro in the most recent election, he lost to Citro four years before that.
Citro is a hairstylist by trade, but his civic résumé is robust, including stints on the city’s Variance Review Board, the Code Enforcement Board and the Civil Service Board. He’s also a past President of Tampa Tiger Bay.
In addition to his 2023 loss, Citro also suffered defeats in City Council races in 2011 and 2015.
While Tampa City Council races are nonpartisan, Citro is a Democrat, though he used to be a Republican.
The Tampa municipal election, including races for City Council and Mayor, are Feb. 1, 2027. A runoff will take place March 29, if necessary.
