Former Tampa Mayor Launches 2027 Campaign

Bob Buckhorn files paperwork to run for office again after 6 years out of the spotlight.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:56pm

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A moody, textured painting of a lone figure standing on a city street corner, the warm light and deep shadows creating a sense of solitude and contemplation.The return of a familiar political figure could reshape the 2027 Tampa mayoral race.Today in Tampa

Former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn has officially filed the paperwork to enter the 2027 mayoral race, marking his return to politics more than six years after leaving office.

Why it matters

Buckhorn's decision to run again will likely shake up the 2027 Tampa mayoral race, as he was a popular and influential figure during his previous two terms from 2011 to 2019. His candidacy could impact the political landscape in the city and the broader Tampa Bay region.

The details

Buckhorn, who served as Tampa's mayor from 2011 to 2019, filed the necessary paperwork on Monday morning to officially launch his 2027 campaign. The 63-year-old Democrat had been out of the political spotlight since leaving office due to term limits, but his decision to run again is expected to make him a formidable candidate.

  • Buckhorn filed the paperwork to enter the 2027 mayoral race on Monday, April 13, 2026.
  • Buckhorn served two terms as Tampa's mayor from 2011 to 2019.

The players

Bob Buckhorn

A former two-term mayor of Tampa, Florida who is launching a campaign to run for mayor again in 2027.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited to get back into the political arena and continue serving the people of Tampa. There's still more work to be done, and I believe I'm the right person to lead our city into the future.”

— Bob Buckhorn, Former Mayor of Tampa

What’s next

Buckhorn will now begin campaigning and fundraising for the 2027 Tampa mayoral election, which is still over a year away.

The takeaway

Buckhorn's decision to run for mayor again after a six-year hiatus will likely shake up the 2027 Tampa political landscape, as he was a popular and influential figure during his previous two terms in office.