Tampa mayoral race to be decided Tuesday


On Tuesday, voters in Tampa will elect a successor to term-limited Mayor Bob Buckhorn (D). Former police chief Jane Castor and philanthropist David Straz are running in the election after being the top two finishers in the March 5 general election. Castor received 48 percent of the vote, while Straz received 16 percent.
 
Heading into the runoff election, Castor holds polling leads and more endorsements. Straz has a fundraising advantage and has released twice as many campaign advertisements. The primary issues in the race have been transportation and development.
 
No matter who wins the Tampa race, control of the city will not change partisan hands—FOX 13 said that all candidates identify as members of the Democratic Party.
 
Among the country’s 100 largest cities, Tampa is one of 20 cities with a Democrat-held mayor’s office up for election in 2019. Seven Republican-held seats and four seats held by independents are also up for election.