TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Joe Kalicki, candidate for Tallahassee City Commission Seat 5, is suspending his campaign and intends to withdraw from the race, he announced on Monday. <\/p>\n
Kalicki took to social media to announce his withdrawal from the race, saying he is proud of the results of his campaign so far. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m very proud of ideas we got into the public discourse and that we raised over $20,000 in three months,\u201d Kalicki wrote. \u201cI feel I\u2019ve had increasingly strong showings at our recent forum.\u201d <\/p>\n
However, he said there are many reasons behind his decision, some he said are strategic and some are just him \u201cbeing honest about what I\u2019m good at and what I\u2019m not good at.\u201d <\/p>\n
Kalicki explained that he understands the need to increase campaign effort, but said he cannot increase to the degree he needs without hurting his full-time job or maintaining his health and wellbeing. <\/p>\n
\u201cI am dropping now so that the electorate has the chance to react: by getting behind currently filed candidates,\u201d he wrote. \u201cFor someone to switch races, or for someone with name recognition to enter the race.\u201d <\/p>\n
Despite withdrawing, Kalicki said he is not disappearing. \u201cI have a mountain of immediately actionable efforts I\u2019ll be undertaking,\u201d he said<\/p>\n
In his post, Kalicki emphasized that no one asked him to drop out. \u201cThis was based on my own self-assessment and projections over the next 90+ days,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n
For those who have donated to his campaign, Kalicki said he intents to pro-rate and return the remaining campaign funds. Those who have donated in the last seven days should be receiving a full refund. He also said he will be asking people to see if they are comfortable with their share of the campaign into a charitable donation.<\/p>\n
You can read Kalicki\u2019s full statement on his Facebook page.<\/a><\/p>\n The commission seat is currently held by Dianne Williams-Cox, who is seeking reelection. Her opponents now include Tifany Hill and Bernard Stevens II.<\/p>\n To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> <\/a>and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n