Former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn’s PAC tops $1 million as he prepares comeback

Former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn is back in the political conversation.

His political action committee, Friends of Bob Buckhorn, has raised more than $1 million as he weighs a run for mayor in 2027. The milestone follows Buckhorn’s recognition as a 2025 Apogee ICON Award recipient by Tampa Bay Business & Wealth, honoring his long-standing impact on the region.

The fundraising success reinforces what many in Tampa’s business community already believe — that Buckhorn remains a trusted leader with the experience and credibility to guide a growing city through its next chapter.

The development underscores Buckhorn’s enduring influence in Tampa’s civic and business community and the growing interest in who will shape the city’s next chapter.

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What Happened

Friends of Bob Buckhorn announced that it has raised more than $1 million, marking a key benchmark as the former mayor weighs a potential 2027 campaign.

“This is about the future, about ensuring Tampa remains a city of opportunity, resilience and innovation,” Buckhorn said. “We’ve come so far, but our best days are still ahead of us. Together, we can build a city where every neighborhood thrives, where our economy grows stronger and where Tampa continues to be a place people are proud to call home.”

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Buckhorn served as Tampa’s mayor from 2011 to 2019. During that time, he helped drive the city’s downtown redevelopment, advanced major infrastructure projects and positioned Tampa as a growing hub for technology, entrepreneurship and investment.

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister praised Buckhorn’s leadership, calling public safety the cornerstone of his approach to law enforcement.

“Mayor Buckhorn has always understood that public safety is the foundation of a strong future,” Chronister said. “His leadership will ensure that as Tampa grows, our families remain safe and our community stays united.”

Former State Sen. Arthenia Joyner added that Buckhorn’s understanding of Tampa’s neighborhoods and people is what sets him apart.

“There is nobody who knows our neighborhoods and the people who live in them better than Bob Buckhorn,” Joyner said. “He is committed to making sure that our growth benefits every neighborhood.”

Buckhorn has not formally declared his candidacy, but the financial milestone signals that his influence remains strong in both business and political circles.

What’s Happening Now

The PAC’s fundraising total places Buckhorn in a position of strength ahead of what could become one of Tampa’s most competitive mayoral races in years. His committee is expected to continue building a coalition of business, civic and community leaders in the months ahead.

While Buckhorn has yet to announce his intentions, his reentry into the public spotlight has reignited discussions about leadership, growth management and how to sustain Tampa’s economic momentum without losing its character.

What This Means for You

For Tampa Bay’s business community, Buckhorn’s possible return to city leadership could bring a sense of familiarity and focus.

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His past administration emphasized collaboration between public and private sectors, economic diversification and infrastructure investment. Those same priorities remain central to Tampa’s long-term competitiveness, especially as development accelerates across downtown, Ybor City and the Westshore district.

A Buckhorn campaign would likely center on economic growth, safety and inclusion — themes that appeal to the region’s corporate and civic leaders who prize predictability and progress.

The road forward

Buckhorn’s $1 million milestone underscores both his political strength and his staying power. His 2025 ICON Award recognition reaffirmed his legacy as one of Tampa’s most influential leaders.

Whether he chooses to run or not, his reemergence has already revived questions about leadership, legacy and what kind of city Tampa will become in the decade ahead.