Tampa's 2027 mayoral race set for March 2; 14 candidates have filed so far

TAMPA - The City of Tampa's next municipal election is March 2, 2027, with a runoff on April 27, 2027, if no candidate wins a majority, according to the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections.

Mayor Jane Castor, elected in 2019 and reelected in 2023, is term-limited under the city charter's two-consecutive-term limit and cannot seek a consecutive third term. Her current term ends May 1, 2027.

As of Nov. 6, 2026, these candidates have Active-Filed campaign accounts for mayor with the Supervisor of Elections (ballot qualifying is noon Jan. 11-15, 2027): Bob Buckhorn, former mayor; Bill Carlson, City Council District 4; Ryan J. Edwards; Anthony Gilbert Jr.; Gary Hartfield; Alan Jared Henderson; Kimmie Diane Howlett; Lynn Hurtak, City Council District 3 (citywide); LaVaughn King; Julie Magill; Aaron Jeffrey Pickern; Tres L. Rodmon; Taryn Sabia; and Peter Shatner. More filings are possible before qualifying. Reginald B. Strachan has withdrawn.

Tampa voters will have a wide field to choose from as the city picks its next mayor.

— Greg Fagioli, Editor in Chief

Statement from Editor in Chief Greg Fagioli. Drafted for publication from the linked public sources. Approved by Hear Ye Tampa Editor in Chief.

Source: Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections, Election Dates & Deadlines; City of Tampa Fact Sheet and FAQs (PDF); Hillsborough VoterFocus campaign finance register, 2027 City of Tampa Municipal Election (Mayor, Tampa) (checked Nov. 6, 2026); City of Tampa business-impact estimate on proposed Charter §§4.01/4.03 term-limit amendment.