Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan Files for Second Term

Deegan hopes to become the first Democratic mayor to win reelection in Jacksonville since 1983.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:05pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a city hall building in warm, muted tones, with the structure bathed in soft, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of civic contemplation and political change.The mayoral office at Jacksonville City Hall stands as a symbol of the city's political transition, with the incumbent mayor seeking to extend her tenure and reshape the local political landscape.Today in Jacksonville

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan has filed paperwork to run for a second term in office. Deegan, a Democrat, is aiming to become the first mayor of her party to win reelection in the city since 1983. She touted her administration's investments in infrastructure, healthcare, literacy programs, and affordable housing during her first term.

Why it matters

Deegan's reelection bid is significant as Jacksonville has historically favored Republican mayors. Her ability to win a second term could signal a shift in the city's political landscape, with Democrats potentially gaining more influence in local government.

The details

Deegan held a news conference outside the Duval County Supervisor of Elections Office, where she highlighted her first-term accomplishments such as raises for police and firefighters, the opening of three Downtown riverfront parks, ongoing Downtown development, and infrastructure projects in underserved areas. She also emphasized her administration's push to help residents obtain health insurance and access to healthcare as a key part of her affordability message for the reelection campaign.

  • Deegan filed her paperwork to run for a second term on April 16, 2026.
  • The qualifying period for the 2027 city elections is from noon on January 11 to noon on January 15, 2027.
  • The general election is scheduled for March 9, 2027.

The players

Donna Deegan

The current mayor of Jacksonville, Florida, who is running for reelection in 2027.

Jake Godbold

The last Democratic mayor of Jacksonville to win reelection, in 1983.

Daniel Davis

The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce President and CEO who ran against Deegan in the 2023 mayoral election.

Wyman Duggan

The Florida House Speaker Pro Tempore who is considered a potential Republican candidate for mayor in 2027.

Ron Salem

A Jacksonville City Council member who is thought to be interested in running for mayor in 2027.

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What they’re saying

“Quality of life has always been job one. And what we have tried to do throughout town hall meetings — and there have been dozens of those — is listen to the community, find out what the top needs and desires are to do with their tax dollars and make sure that we are creating the best return on investment for those dollars.”

— Donna Deegan, Mayor of Jacksonville

“But beyond that, we just want to keep the momentum going. I think what you've seen in Jacksonville for far too many years is this surge toward momentum then a backing off when you transition from administration to administration. What we've tried to do is make sure that we are continuing to build. And we want to make sure that all those things in the pipeline get done and this community reaches its full potential.”

— Donna Deegan, Mayor of Jacksonville

What’s next

The qualifying period for the 2027 city elections is from noon on January 11 to noon on January 15, 2027. No major Republican candidates have entered the race yet, but political observers believe that Florida House Speaker Pro Tempore Wyman Duggan, as well as City Council members Ron Salem and Rory Diamond, and Duval County Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland, may be interested in running.

The takeaway

Deegan's reelection bid represents an opportunity for the Democratic Party to solidify its influence in Jacksonville's local government, potentially breaking a long-standing Republican hold on the mayor's office. Her focus on quality of life issues and community engagement could resonate with voters, but she will likely face a competitive race as the GOP seeks to reclaim the mayor's seat.