Tampa City Councilmember Bill Carlson Enters Crowded Mayoral Race

TAMPA — Tampa City Councilmember Bill Carlson has officially filed to run for mayor, adding another high-profile name to an already-crowded 2027 race to replace term-limited Mayor Jane Castor.

Carlson, who has represented District 4 since 2019, announced his candidacy Wednesday, emphasizing a campaign centered on government performance, transparency, and efficiency. He said his goal is to improve how city government operates, arguing that the mayor’s office is the only position with the authority to drive meaningful systemic change.

His entry comes less than 48 hours after former Mayor Bob Buckhorn announced he is seeking a return to office. Buckhorn, who previously served from 2011 to 2019, said his campaign would focus on continuing the city’s progress and “finishing the job.”

Carlson has been a frequent critic of city leadership, including both Castor and Buckhorn, particularly on infrastructure spending. In campaign materials, he pointed to what he described as mismanagement of infrastructure funds and said his administration would prioritize road and sidewalk repairs, as well as flood mitigation.

First elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2023, Carlson is also president of the public relations firm Tucker/Hall and has been involved in several civic and nonprofit organizations, including founding Café Con Tampa and co-founding the Tampa Arts Alliance.

With Carlson’s entry, the mayoral field has grown to 11 candidates. Tampa City Councilmember Lynn Hurtak is the only other elected official running.Other local candidates include urban designer Taryn Sabia and entrepreneur Gary Hartfield.

The election is scheduled for March 2, 2027, with a runoff set for April 27 if no candidate secures a majority.