TAMPA, Fla. – In an announcement delivered to students at Saint Leo University Thursday, former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn revealed his intention to run for mayor once again. The Democrat, who served the city from 2011 to 2019, made the announcement during a session of the Faith & Politics class within the university’s Honors Program.
Buckhorn’s announcement, which had been the subject of much speculation, came during a discussion with students taught by political science instructor Frank Orlando and theology and religion associate professor Dr. Stephen Okey.
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The classes, focused on the intersection of faith and politics, provided a unique platform for Buckhorn to share his experiences and future aspirations.
“I was going to do what it takes [to win],” Buckhorn told the students, recalling his successful 2010 campaign. “I knocked on 20,000 doors. I walked for 8 hours. I was suffering heat exhaustion. I couldn’t see. But I asked people, ‘what could Tampa be?’”
Buckhorn’s tenure as mayor, beginning during a severe economic recession, was marked by significant urban development, including the Riverwalk, and the encouragement of major investments like Water Street. He emphasized his commitment to continuing the progress made during his previous terms and the current administration of Mayor Jane Castor, who will leave office in 2027.
The former mayor also addressed his Catholic faith, stating, “My faith is important to me, and it helps me stay grounded.” A practicing Catholic and lector at Christ the King Catholic Church, Buckhorn acknowledged the challenges of navigating his faith within the diverse political landscape of Tampa. “As mayor, you are not only the mayor of Catholics; you are the mayor of everyone,” he noted.
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Buckhorn highlighted the issue of women’s reproductive rights, emphasizing that mayoral control over such matters is limited. “My job is not to interject myself,” he stated.
Buckhorn encouraged Saint Leo students to contribute to Tampa’s future, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in political life. “People are skilled at seeing the BS. They are looking for candidates who are authentic,” he said. “If they see you as true to who you are and what you believe in, and there is no gap between how you behave in office and in your personal life…it is how you treat people.”
The upcoming mayoral race already includes candidates Alan Henderson, an entrepreneur, and Julie Magill, a real estate broker. Buckhorn’s entry into the race is expected to significantly reshape the political landscape of Tampa.
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