Gary Hartfield, a Tampa entrepreneur and workforce development board leader, has filed to run for mayor, adding another business-backed candidate to a race taking shape more than a year ahead of the 2027 election.
Hartfield filed paperwork March 26, positioning his campaign around housing affordability, small-business growth and neighborhood investment as Tampa continues to absorb population gains and rising costs.
His entry follows earlier filings, including those of Tampa City Council member Lynn Hurtak, who launched her campaign in February, marking the early formation of a field expected to expand as fundraising and endorsements take shape.
Hartfield is the founder and CEO of Serenity Village Insurance & Consulting, which serves more than 1,000 clients across Florida and Georgia. He also serves as vice chair of CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas, a regional workforce board that oversees job training and employment programs tied to employer demand.
His campaign is expected to focus on expanding access to capital for small businesses, increasing the supply of workforce housing and directing more investment into neighborhoods.
“I’m stepping forward because I believe Tampa deserves leadership that is present, accountable and deeply connected to the people it serves,” Hartfield said.
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Housing affordability and workforce access have become central issues for local employers and policymakers, particularly as in-migration and business expansion continue to reshape the region’s labor market and infrastructure needs.
Hartfield said he plans to emphasize workforce housing solutions and small-business support, including access to financing and technical resources. He has also pointed to neighborhood-level investment, including homeownership and local business development, as a mechanism for long-term economic stability.
His background includes more than two decades working with local businesses and community organizations. He founded the All Hart Foundation, which focuses on leadership development and community engagement.
Hartfield has appeared on the cover of Tampa Bay Business and Wealth.
The campaign plans to begin outreach efforts in the coming weeks, including community events across Tampa.
The mayor’s race is expected to center on how candidates address housing supply, infrastructure investment and economic growth management as the city continues to expand.
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