![\"Talethia](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1d04aeeb33a060f5388ebca33fd256ed.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\nThe Big Bend chapter of the Florida\u00a0PBA\u00a0is endorsing Loranne Ausley for Tallahassee mayor and\u00a0Talethia\u00a0Edwards for City Commission Seat 3.<\/p>\n
The police union, which represents more than 500 law enforcement officers, announced its endorsements in an April 27 news release.<\/p>\n
Ausley, a former state senator and House member, is one of four candidates running for mayor. Edwards, a community advocate, is among seven candidates competing for Seat 3.<\/p>\n
The\u00a0PBA\u00a0said that as a lawmaker, Ausley \u201calways championed the issues that matter most to our officers and their families.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe has consistently defended the rights of law enforcement officers and advocated for more funding to keep police officers safe, while they are on patrol, protecting our communities,\u201d the union said.<\/p>\n
The\u00a0PBA\u00a0said it was \u201cequally proud\u201d to endorse Edwards.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe will bring both a fresh voice to the City Commission and partner with us to advocate for law enforcement and enhance public safety,\u201d the union said.<\/p>\n
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Talethia Edwards<\/p>\n
The\u00a0PBA\u00a0announced its endorsement March 30 of Williams-Cox, who\u2019s facing three challengers in her re-election bid.<\/p>\n
“With a track record of advocating for public safety and ensuring our members have the resources they need, Commissioner Williams-Cox has proven she will continue to stand with those who keep our community safe every day!” the PBA said.<\/p>\n
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Mayor pro tem Dianne Williams-Cox attends a commission meeting where members take the oath of office on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022 in Tallahassee, Fla.<\/p>\n
In recent cycles, the\u00a0PBA\u00a0has backed incumbents<\/a> who make up the City Commission\u2019s ruling majority, namely Mayor John\u00a0Dailey\u00a0and City Commissioners Curtis Richardson and Dianne Williams-Cox, as well as candidates who have tried to unseat<\/a> Commissioners Jeremy\u00a0Matlow\u00a0and Jack Porter, who make up the minority.<\/p>\n Dailey, who\u2019s not seeking re-election, backs Edwards for Seat 3, which was left open by\u00a0Matlow\u2019s\u00a0move to the mayor\u2019s race. He gave her a $1,000 check in January, according to campaign finance reports.<\/p>\n After this story published online, Tom Derzypolski, a candidate running for Seat 3, reached out to the Democrat via email to say he was “was never contacted, interviewed, or asked to complete a questionnaire” by the PBA.<\/p>\n “As the leading fundraiser in my race, a Navy veteran, with numerous family members who are currently LEOs here in North Florida, I would have welcomed the opportunity to connect with the PBA,” he wrote.<\/p>\n Contact Jeff Burlew at jburlew@tallahassee.com or 850-599-2180.<\/p>\n