The race for Tampa’s District 5 City Council seat is heating up. Following the sudden passing of Councilwoman Gwen Henderson, Hillsborough County called a special election to fill the vacancy. The election is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, 2025, and fourteen candidates have qualified to run, including one write-in. Most paid the required $4,511.52 qualifying fee to appear on the ballot.
The Candidates
The list of candidates includes:
- Audette Bruce
- Juawana Colbert
- Albert Cooke
- Ariel Amirah Danley
- Thomas DeGeorge Jr.
- Darrell Ashley Dudney
- Alison Hewitt
- Elvis Piggott
- Thomas Scott
- Fran Tate
- Carroll West
- Melony Williams
- Naya Young
- Jose Vazquez Figueroa — running as a write-in candidate
Thirteen of these names will appear on the ballot, while the write-in candidate’s name will not.
Key Details
- District Coverage: Downtown Tampa, Ybor City, East Tampa, and parts of West Tampa
- Early Voting: September 4–7, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., at several locations across the district
- Term: The winner will serve the remainder of Henderson’s term through 2027
- Runoff Possibility: If no candidate wins more than 50% of the vote, a runoff election will be held
Why This Election Matters
District 5 is a diverse and vital part of Tampa, and the new council member will play an important role in shaping local policies and initiatives. With a crowded field of candidates, voters will have multiple options representing different perspectives and priorities. The presence of a write-in candidate adds an additional layer of competition to this already dynamic race.
This special election is not just about filling a seat—it’s about giving Tampa residents a voice in their local government and ensuring the legacy of the district’s leadership continues.
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