Former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn Files to Run for Office Again
Former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn officially entered the 2027 mayoral race Monday, backed by a $1.8 million war chest that dwarfs his nine competitors.
TAMPA, FLORIDA — Former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn filed paperwork Monday to run for mayor in 2027, saying he wants to “finish what I started” and build a city that “is the envy of the nation.”
Buckhorn announced his candidacy outside the Hillsborough County Center in downtown Tampa, telling reporters that “this city’s best days are yet to come.”
“We can fix those challenges. We can fill those potholes. We can pave those streets. We can invest in that infrastructure,” Buckhorn said. “That’s not why people hire mayors. That’s not why I’m running for office. I’m running to build a city that is the envy of the nation. To continue down the path that we set out on 10 years ago.”
Previous Mayoral Experience
Buckhorn previously served as mayor of Florida’s third-largest city from 2011 to 2019. During his tenure, speculation grew that he might run for governor, particularly after he won re-election in 2015 with nearly 96% of the vote.
However, in March 2017, Buckhorn announced he would not seek the governor’s office, ending months of speculation about a potential gubernatorial campaign.
Campaign Funding and Competition
A political committee supporting Buckhorn has already raised $1.8 million, significantly outpacing the funding of nine other candidates who have filed to run for mayor. City Councilman Bill Carlson is also expected to enter the race.
The substantial fundraising advantage positions Buckhorn as an early frontrunner in what is shaping up to be a competitive mayoral race.
Transportation Focus
If elected, Buckhorn said he plans to address the region’s transportation challenges. He expressed concern that without significant changes, Tampa could face traffic problems similar to those regularly seen in Miami and Atlanta.
Buckhorn referenced progress made when Hillsborough County voters approved a one-cent sales tax in 2018. The 30-year tax was designed to improve roads and bridges, expand public transportation options, and enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
“We’ve proven we can do it. I’ve already done it. And now it’s time to write our next chapter,” Buckhorn said during Monday’s announcement.
