What to Know Ahead of Today’s Tampa District 5 Special Election

Today, voters in Tampa’s District 5 head to the polls for a special election to fill the City Council seat left vacant by the late Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson, who passed away in June. The district encompasses key areas including Downtown Tampa, Ybor City, East Tampa, and parts of West Tampa. With 14 candidates vying for the position, voter turnout and campaign strategies will play a crucial role in determining the next representative.

🗳️ Election Details

Election Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Poll Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM ET
Voting Locations: District 5 residents can cast their votes at designated polling stations. Early voting was available from September 4–7.
Mail-In Ballots: Must be returned by 7:00 PM today.

If no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, a runoff election will be held on October 28, 2025. Bay News 9

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Meet the Candidates

The race features a diverse group of candidates, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Here are some of the contenders:

Thomas Scott: Former Hillsborough County Commissioner and Tampa City Council member, focusing on economic development and affordable housing.
Juawana Colbert: Involved in affordable housing and economic planning committees.
Ariel Amirah Danley: Daughter of a former councilwoman and local business co-owner.
Elvis Piggott: Pastor and former political candidate.
Thomas DeGeorge Jr.: Community advocate with a focus on neighborhood revitalization.
Naya Young: Youth advocate and education reform proponent.
Alison A. Hewitt: Public policy expert with a background in urban planning.
Fran M. Tate: Veteran community organizer and social justice advocate.
Carroll “Carrie” West: Longtime community activist with a focus on senior services.
Melony Williams: Entrepreneur and small business owner.
Albert Cooke: Retired law enforcement officer with a focus on public safety.
Audette Bruce: Local educator and youth mentor.
Darrell Ashley Dudney: Technology professional with a focus on digital equity.
Jose Vazquez Figueroa: Community health advocate.

For a complete list and detailed profiles, visit the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections website.

📊 Fundraising Insights

Fundraising has been a significant indicator of campaign viability. As of early September, the top fundraisers include:

Thomas Scott: Over $35,000
Ariel Amirah Danley: Approximately $24,000
Juawana Colbert: Around $21,000

These figures suggest a competitive race, with fundraising playing a pivotal role in campaign outreach and visibility. Axios

🗺️ District 5 Overview

District 5 is a vibrant and diverse area, encompassing:

Downtown Tampa: The city’s central business district, featuring a mix of residential, commercial, and cultural spaces.
Ybor City: A historic neighborhood known for its Cuban influence, nightlife, and cultural events.
East Tampa: A predominantly residential area with a rich history and a focus on community development.
West Tampa: An area undergoing revitalization, with a blend of residential and commercial properties.

The next council member will play a crucial role in addressing issues such as affordable housing, economic development, public safety, and community engagement within these neighborhoods. Bay News 9

🗣️ Community Perspectives

Community leaders emphasize the importance of the upcoming election in shaping the district’s future. Dr. Jeffery Johnson, Chair of the East Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency, stated,

“This is where a lot of your families are. And they need the support, they need the economic development, they need affordable housing. They need opportunities that other areas may see often, that District 5 may not see, so they have to fight immediately.” Bay News 9

✅ Voting Reminders

Eligibility: Only registered voters residing in District 5 are eligible to vote.
Identification: Bring a valid photo ID to the polling station.
Mail-In Ballots: Must be received by 7:00 PM today.
Runoff Election: If no candidate achieves a majority, a runoff will be held on October 28, 2025.