Boca Raton Mayoral Race Sees Surge in Campaign Spending

Candidates raise hundreds of thousands as voters prepare to choose new mayor, council members, and weigh in on development project

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Boca Raton residents are casting early ballots ahead of the March 10 municipal election, where voters will choose a new mayor, fill council seats, and decide the fate of the One Boca mixed-use development project. Campaign finance records show two mayoral candidates have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, much of it from political committees, with each spending over $38,000 on TV ads alone.

Why it matters

The high level of campaign spending in this local election highlights the importance residents place on issues like growth, development, taxes, and public safety. The outcome could have significant implications for the city's future direction and character.

The details

Three candidates are running for mayor: current council members Fran Nachlas and Andy Thomson, and newcomer Mike Liebelson. Nachlas, the current deputy mayor, is focused on safety, protecting public land, and fiscal responsibility. Thomson, a top spender, has centered his campaign on growth, cost of living, traffic, and opposing the government campus redevelopment. Liebelson is positioning himself as an alternative to developer-aligned politics. Common campaign themes include preserving the city's charm, lowering taxes, and improving public safety.

  • Early voting is currently underway in Boca Raton.
  • The Boca Raton municipal election is on March 10, 2026.

The players

Fran Nachlas

Current Boca Raton city council member and deputy mayor, running for mayor.

Andy Thomson

Current Boca Raton city council member, running for mayor.

Mike Liebelson

Newcomer running for Boca Raton mayor, positioning himself as an alternative to developer-aligned politics.

One Boca

A mixed-use development project that Boca Raton voters will decide the fate of in the upcoming election.

Tom Galatis

Boca Raton resident who raised concerns over the high level of campaign spending.

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What they’re saying

“I understand what the city cares about, I understand its character, its charm and what we need to do to preserve it.”

— Andy Thomson, Boca Raton city council member and mayoral candidate (wptv.com)

“I'm looking to take the city back from developers and bring it back to the people.”

— Mike Liebelson, Boca Raton mayoral candidate (wptv.com)

“Aw man, that's so much money to be spent on ads that could be used for other things to help the community instead.”

— Tom Galatis, Boca Raton resident (wptv.com)

What’s next

The Boca Raton municipal election will be held on March 10, 2026, where voters will choose a new mayor, fill council seats, and decide the fate of the One Boca mixed-use development project.

The takeaway

This high-spending mayoral race in Boca Raton underscores the importance local residents place on issues like growth, development, taxes, and public safety. The outcome could have significant implications for the city's future direction and character, making it a closely watched election.