The general election for Tampa, Florida, was on March 7, 2023. The filing deadline to run passed on Jan. 20.
Candidates competed for seven of seven city council seats, with all seven incumbents running for re-election. Candidates also competed for mayor of Tampa. Incumbent Jane Castor and Belinda Noah ran in the nonpartisan mayoral election. Castor won re-election with 80.1% of the vote to Noah’s 7.5%.
A general runoff election is scheduled for April 25, 2023, for races where no candidate received a majority of the general election vote. The following candidates advanced to the general runoff election:
Sonja Brookins and Alan Clendenin: District 1 At-Large
Incumbent Guido Maniscalco and Robin Lockett: District 2 At-Large
Incumbent Lynn Hurtak and Janet Cruz: District 3 At-Large
Incumbent Charlie Miranda and Hoyt Prindle: District 6
Tampa is the third-largest city in Florida and the 51st-largest city in the U.S. by population.
Indiana is holding elections, including for Indianapolis City Council, on May 2, 2023. A number of candidates running in these elections completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Below is a selection of responses from the candidates who filled out the survey as of March 13. To read each candidate’s full responses, click their name at the bottom of the article.
Brenda Bishop-Kyle (R) is running for Indianapolis City Council District 14 and the primary election is on May 2. Here’s how Bishop-Kyle responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”
“I have a strong interest on how student social interactions outside of the classroom impacts student outcomes. I want to implement activities that give structure and guidance that positively impact student performance.
To look at the civic infrastructure of District 14 and look at what can be done to improve the safety of neighborhoods.”
Click here to read the rest of Bishop-Kyle’s answers.
Jesse Brown (D) is running for Indianapolis City Council District 13 and the primary election is on May 2. Here’s how Brown responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”
“I am interested in helping the ordinary people of Indianapolis find their voices and their collective power. I have been a homeowner in the district for 15 years, have paid my taxes diligently, and have seen life expectancy drop in my neighborhood. I have seen the roads, schools, and services deteriorate, while the state and city’s economy continue improving for the wealthy. I believe we have no choice but to urgently address inequality in Indianapolis and truly make it a city for everyone.”
If you’re an Indiana candidate or incumbent, click here to take the survey. The survey contains over 30 questions, and you can choose the ones you feel will best represent your views to voters. If you complete the survey, a box with your answers will display on your Ballotpedia profile. Your responses will also populate the information that appears in our mobile app, My Vote Ballotpedia.
Both of the candidates running in the April 4, 2023, general election for Madison Common Council District 2 — Incumbent Juliana Bennett (nonpartisan) and Colin Barushok (nonpartisan) — completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Here are the candidates’ responses to the question: Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
Bennett:
“Juliana Bennett is a UW grad, community organizer, District 8 Alder, and candidate for District 2 Alder. She has called Madison home for seven years. She graduated from Madison West High School, then continued her studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Juliana graduated in December 2022 with degrees in Real Estate and Political Science. Throughout her time in Madison, Juliana distinguished herself as a leader during the Black Lives Matter movement. She co-founded the Madison BIPOC Coalition. Then later ran for and won her first election on Madison Common Council. As alder, Juliana has championed affordable housing, supporting the CARES program, violence prevention, housing the houseless, community investment, equitable transportation, and more. Juliana is now seeking re-election to continue serving as a community leader and uplifting voices of her residents.”
Barushok:
“I have been serving our community for nearly a decade, beginning with my service watching over student segregated fees at Associated Students of Madison. Then I went to work for the State Senate, where I staffed committee hearings and floor sessions. I protected our constitutional right to observe and participate in government, and I learned a ton about the issues facing the state and local communities. When COVID hit in March of 2020, I went to work at the state agency that handles licensing. I was responsible for reviewing and issuing licenses for doctors, respiratory therapists, physician assistants, and others. I helped get thousands of health care heroes to work. I also served on the city’s Vending Oversight Committee where we worked to turn the Streatery Program into a permanent reality in Madison, making it easier for restaurants to establish sidewalk cafes. I now serve a State Senator and his constituents. The most important thing I have learned so far is the importance of constituent services. When I’m not fighting for the residents of District 2 at the Common Council, I will be waiting to hear each comment, concern, and complaint.”
Click on the candidates’ profile pages below to read their full responses to this and other questions.
We ask all federal, state, and local candidates with profiles on Ballotpedia to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Ask the candidates in your area to fill out the survey.
Texas is holding elections, including for municipal and school board offices, on May 6, 2023. A number of candidates running in these elections completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Below is a selection of responses from the candidates who filled out the survey as of March 6, 2023. To read each candidate’s full responses, click their name at the bottom of the article.
Incumbent Nikkie Hunter (nonpartisan) is running for Arlington City Council District 3 and the general election is on May 6. Here’s how Hunter responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”
Audra Deaver (nonpartisan) is running for Humble Independent School District Position 6 and the general election is on May 6. Here’s how Deaver responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”
“I feel very passionate about protecting our students with unbiased [curriculum] in our classrooms, removing pornography from our libraries, and raising our test scores back above state averages.”
Cesario Garcia (nonpartisan) is running for San Antonio City Council District 8 and the general election is on May 6. Here’s how Garcia responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”
“There must be a concerted effort to grow our cadet class. This act alone will provide a safer environment for our men and women in blue as well as the public. We needed law and order to remain a free thinking society.
San Antonio was once an energy independent city with abundance of energy.”
Christopher Longoria (nonpartisan) is running for mayor of San Antonio and the general election is on May 6. Here’s how Longoria responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”
“The city’s Crime is terrible and needs to be addressed with proactive policing not reactive. The rule of law is important and should be followed and enforced. Reform all Programs. Remove Equity Policy throughout the City of San Antonio.”
Click here to read the rest of Longoria’s answers.
If you’re a Texas candidate or incumbent, click here to take the survey. The survey contains over 30 questions, and you can choose the ones you feel will best represent your views to voters. If you complete the survey, a box with your answers will display on your Ballotpedia profile. Your responses will also populate the information that appears in our mobile app, My Vote Ballotpedia.
The general election for Jacksonville, Florida is on March 21, 2023. The filing deadline to run passed on Jan. 13.
Candidates are competing for property appraiser, city council, and mayor. The general elections for sheriff, supervisor of elections, and tax collector were canceled after no more than one candidate filed to run for each race. Incumbent T.K. Waters (R), Jerry Holland (R), and incumbent Jim Overton (R) won the sheriff, supervisor of elections, and tax collector elections, respectively, without appearing on the ballot.
Candidates are competing for 16 of 19 city council seats. The general elections for three of 19 council seats were canceled after no more than one candidate filed to run for each race. Joyce Morgan (D), Danny Becton (R), and Jason Fischer (R) are running for property appraiser, while Donna Deegan (D), Audrey Gibson (D), LeAnna Cumber (R), Daniel Davis (R), Al Ferraro (R), Frank Keasler (R), Omega Allen (Independent), and Brian Griffin (Independent) (Write-in) are running for mayor of Jacksonville.
A runoff election is scheduled for May 16, 2023. Runoffs are required for races where no candidate receives a majority of the general election vote.
Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida and the 12th-largest city in the U.S. by population.
Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas advanced from a nine candidate field in the Feb. 28, 2023, general election for mayor of Chicago, Illinois, to an April 24 runoff.
Vallas received 33.7% of the vote in the general election. He was the 2014 Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor. He worked as chief administrative officer at Chicago State University and was the CEO of Chicago Public Schools. On the night of the general election, Vallas gave a speech focused on public safety. “Public safety is the fundamental right of every American. It is a civil right. And it is the principle responsibility of government, and we will have a safe Chicago,” he said. The Chicago Fraternal Order of Police endorsed Vallas.
Johnson received 20.3% of the vote in the general election. He was elected to the Cook County Board of Commissioners as a Democrat in 2018. He was a teacher with Chicago Public Schools and an organizer with the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU). In a speech on the night of the general election, Johnson focused on education policy. Johnson thanked CTU for their support and said, “We get to turn the page of the politics of old . . . Every single child in the city gets to have their needs met.” The CTU endorsed Johnson.
Incumbent Lori Lightfoot finished third with 17.1% of the vote. She was elected mayor in 2019, defeating Toni Preckwinkle 74% to 26% in a runoff election after advancing from a 14-candidate general election field. Lightfoot became the first mayor of Chicago to lose a re-election bid since 1983 when Jane Byrne lost her primary.
Although elections are officially nonpartisan, candidates are typically affiliated with one of the major political parties. Johnson and Vallas are both Democrats. The last Republican mayor of Chicago, William Thompson, left office in 1931.
Chicago adopted the system of nonpartisan general elections with a potential runoff beginning with the 1999 mayoral elections. In the six elections between 1999 and 2019, a runoff election occurred twice (2015 and 2019). A candidate won the other four general elections outright (1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011).
Wisconsin is holding elections, including for Madison Common Council, on April 4, 2023. A number of candidates running in these elections completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Below is a selection of responses from a candidate who filled out the survey as of Feb. 26. To read the candidate’s full responses, click their name at the bottom of the article.
Julia Matthews (nonpartisan) is running for Madison Common Council District 12 and the general election is on April 4, 2023. Here’s how Matthews responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”
Here’s how Matthews responded to the question: “Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?”
“Support affordable and accessible, lower market-rate housing in the district
Continue to provide excellent outreach to constituents and find earlier opportunities for community input, seek out voices and facilitate involvement for community members who have not been as involved in City processes
Advocate for North-South bus rapid transit (BRT) line and access to other increased public transportation options to the north side especially.”
If you’re a Wisconsin candidate or incumbent, click here to take the survey. The survey contains over 30 questions, and you can choose the ones you feel will best represent your views to voters. If you complete the survey, a box with your answers will display on your Ballotpedia profile. Your responses will also populate the information that appears in our mobile app, My Vote Ballotpedia.
The filing deadline passed to run for elected office in Irving, Texas, on Feb. 17. Candidates filed for Irving City Council Places 3 and 5, as well as for mayor of Irving. Two of eight city council seats are up for election this year.
Incumbent Mark Zeske is running for re-election to City Council Place 3. Incumbent Rick Stopfer is running for re-election as mayor of Irving.
The general election is scheduled for May 6, 2023. While most mayoral elections in the 100 largest cities are nonpartisan, most officeholders are affiliated with a political party. Irving has a Republican mayor. As of February 2023, 62 mayors in the largest 100 cities by population are affiliated with the Democratic Party, 26 are affiliated with the Republican Party, three are independents, seven identify as nonpartisan or unaffiliated, and two mayors’ affiliations are unknown.
Irving is the 11th-largest city in Texas and the 86th-largest city in the U.S. by population.
Florida is holding elections, including for municipal offices in Jacksonville, on March 21, 2023. A number of candidates running in these elections completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Below is a selection of responses from the candidates who filled out the survey as of Feb. 28. To read each candidate’s full responses, click their name at the bottom of the article.
Donna Deegan (D) is running for mayor of Jacksonville, and the general election is on March 21. Here’s how Deegan responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”
“As Mayor, my top priorities will be to address infrastructure, public health and safety, and build an inclusive economy. First, I will work to improve the conditions of neglected neighborhoods by repairing crumbling infrastructure, which I believe is essential for the growth and development of our city. …Second, I will focus on improving public health access and education. …Third, I aim to foster an inclusive economy by collaborating with current corporate partners and attracting businesses that align with this goal, to ensure that all residents of Jacksonville benefit from economic growth. …I believe, as mayor, my best levers for reducing crime are economic. A collaborative approach that combines causes of poverty, education, food insecurity and of course partnership with our sheriff.”
Joshua Hicks (D) is running for Jacksonville City Council At-large Position 2, and the general election is on March 21. Here’s how Hicks responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”
“We need to ensure we are fixing and upgrading the infrastructure in older neighborhoods, including fixing streets, adding sidewalks and street lights, replacing septic tank systems, eliminating food deserts, addressing neighborhood parks in disrepair, and listening to the needs of the communities. …We need to take a citywide approach to affordable housing including removing construction barriers, requiring a percentage of affordable units in new developments, and rethinking zoning so we can bring in more multifamily units. …We need to be promoting the available resources to businesses in every neighborhood, not just certain parts of the city. Those resources can include façade grants, incubator programs, merchant associations, and more.”
If you’re a Florida candidate or incumbent, click here to take the survey. The survey contains over 30 questions, and you can choose the ones you feel will best represent your views to voters. If you complete the survey, a box with your answers will display on your Ballotpedia profile. Your responses will also populate the information that appears in our mobile app, My Vote Ballotpedia.
On Feb. 17, the filing deadline passed to run for elected office in Fort Worth, Texas. Candidates filed for Fort Worth City Council Districts 2-11, as well as for mayor of Fort Worth.
Incumbents Carlos Flores, Michael Crain, Gyna Bivens, Jared Williams, Chris Nettles, Elizabeth Beck, and Alan Blaylock are running for re-election to the city council. Mattie Parker is running for re-election as mayor of Fort Worth.
The general election is scheduled for May 6, 2023. While most mayoral elections in the 100 largest cities are nonpartisan, most officeholders are affiliated with a political party. Fort Worth has a Republican mayor. As of February 2023, 62 mayors in the largest 100 cities by population are affiliated with the Democratic Party, 26 are affiliated with the Republican Party, three are independents, seven identify as nonpartisan or unaffiliated, and two mayors’ affiliations are unknown.
Fort Worth is the fifth-largest city in Texas and the 13th-largest city in the U.S. by population.
