After almost a year of campaigning, one of Tampa’s seven mayoral candidates will succeed mayor Bob Buckhorn. With the election drawing nearer, here is a quick look at all the candidates and the plans they will undertake if elected. 

Harry Cohen

A Tampa native, Harry Cohen has served on the city’s council since 2011. While on city council, Cohen was the Chair of the Finance Committee and Vice Chair of the Metropolitan Planning Organization. Cohen’s plan as mayor is to improve safety in transportation and implement steps to improve the air quality of the city. As stated on his website, Cohen also promises “a commitment to civility and bringing Tampa together.”  

Jane Çastor

Jane Castor’s career in the police department of Tampa Bay spanned over thirty years, with her serving as chief of police for six years. If elected, Castor plans to host sessions to discuss upcoming plans for the city’s budget where citizens can engage with questions or concerns. Her other goals as mayor include improving the lighting on roads and expanding transportation systems, such as the railway and streetcar routes. According to her official website, Castor promises to “prioritize funding for stormwater upgrades” in the event of a hurricane.  

Dick Greco, Jr.

Plant High School graduate Dick Greco, Jr. has served Tampa since 1983 as County Court Judge for Hillsborough County and Senior Judge for the State of Florida. In addition to these accomplishments, he is also a certified civil court mediator for the Florida Supreme Court. His website states that Greco “understands what it takes to succeed and work with the community to make it a better place” for everyone. As mayor, Greco wants to collaborate with private sectors in addition to public ones. He also plans to vastly improve the infrastructure around the city, using new, innovative methods to do so.  

Topher Morrison

Born in Spokane, Washington, Topher Morrison is described on his official website as “future-focused, business-savvy, and dog-friendly.” Morrison has been an active member of the Tampa Bay community, from participating on the Board of Fellows and a Professor of Practice at the University of Tampa, to serving as a committee member at Feeding Tampa Bay. He has outlined a clear plan for helping the homeless and embraces the diversity. As mayor, Morrison will also prioritize public safety, seeking to improvement by utilizing improved technology.  

David Straz

David Straz’s name is all too familiar to Tampa residents; the David A. Straz Center, formerly called the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, bears his name after Straz donated a hefty sum to the institution. As stated on his campaign website, Straz has pursued the position of mayor because he wants to “apply all I’ve learned to improving the quality of life in every neighborhood.” Straz wants to focus on social issues like improving equality for women and the LGBTQ community. In addition to this, he promises that as mayor he will work with municipal departments to develop affordable housing rather than private companies.  

Mike Suarez

As a third generation Tampa native and University of South Florida graduate, Mike Suarez has seen the growth of the city firsthand. He has experience managing municipal matters, as he has served on city council since 2011. As mayor, Suarez plans to introduce a bill of rights which would establish the foundation of his administration as well as hold the mayor accountable. According to his website, Suarez says Tampa’s mayoral office “can never fail to endeavor to treat every resident and visitor with equal response, equal respect and equal effectiveness.” One of his main concerns is improving neighborhoods, especially those which lack sidewalks or lights.  

Ed Turanchik

Ed Turanchik is a lawyer and has been living in Tampa for over thirty years. As stated on his website, he is passionate about caring for the environment and is a leader in the Tampa Bay group of the Sierra Club. Besides helping preserve the environment of Hillsborough County, Turanchik has also helped develop affordable, energy-efficient housing. As mayor, Turanchik would like to create more affordable housing options, improve transportation in neighborhoods and open more job opportunities.