Jimmy Peluso launches run for Jacksonville City Council at-large seat

Deegan ally seeks citywide position, opening up Democratic-leaning district

Mar. 10, 2026 at 5:34pm

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Jacksonville City Council member Jimmy Peluso has filed to run for the at-large Group 4 seat, joining a field of four first-time candidates. Peluso, a close ally of Mayor Donna Deegan, is leaving his current District 7 seat, which was drawn to favor a Democratic winner.

Why it matters

Peluso's decision to run citywide opens up a key district seat in the heavily Republican Jacksonville City Council, potentially giving Democrats a chance to gain ground in the local government.

The details

Peluso, who has served on the City Council for the past four years, is running for the at-large Group 4 seat currently held by maverick Republican Matt Carlucci. Peluso has positioned himself as a bridge-builder on the council, working to accomplish goals despite the Republican majority.

  • Peluso filed to run for the at-large seat in March 2026.
  • The election for the at-large Group 4 seat will take place in 2027.

The players

Jimmy Peluso

A Jacksonville City Council member who is running for an at-large citywide seat, leaving his current District 7 seat which was drawn to favor a Democratic winner.

Donna Deegan

The current mayor of Jacksonville, who is seen as Peluso's strongest ally on the heavily Republican City Council.

Matt Carlucci

The current holder of the at-large Group 4 seat that Peluso is running for, described as a maverick Republican.

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What they’re saying

“I believe in my last 4 years on Council I've demonstrated that willingness to work with everyone to accomplish goals for our city.”

— Jimmy Peluso

What’s next

The election for the at-large Group 4 seat will take place in 2027.

The takeaway

Peluso's decision to run for an at-large seat opens up a key district seat in the heavily Republican Jacksonville City Council, potentially giving Democrats a chance to gain ground in the local government.