News Summary
Three candidates are stepping up for the Tallahassee city commission seat currently held by Jeremy Matlow as he launches his mayoral campaign. Talethia Edwards, PJ Andres Perez, and Norm Roche are competing for the position, alongside new challenges posed by recent changes in election ordinances regarding residency and candidacy requirements. This shifting political landscape accompanies a growing mayoral race, as incumbent Mayor John Dailey announces he will not seek re-election. The alterations in voting requirements could reshape local leadership as upcoming elections approach.
Tallahassee – Three candidates have announced their intentions to run for the city commission seat currently held by Jeremy Matlow as he prepares to launch his campaign for mayor in the upcoming 2026 elections. The candidates vying for this position are Talethia Edwards, PJ Andres Perez, and Norm Roche. This city commission seat race has garnered attention, particularly in light of recent changes to the election ordinance that influence candidacy requirements.
As the political landscape shifts with Matlow’s departure from the commission, Mayor John Dailey has already declared that he will not seek re-election. This decision has further opened the mayoral contest, creating an opportunity for new voices and leadership within the community. Additionally, political newcomer Camron Cooper has also filed to run for mayor, although his candidacy is in jeopardy due to new residency requirements outlined in the recent ordinance changes.
On June 8, 2026, candidates for mayor and city commissioner will now need to be registered voters and residents of the city for at least one year before the qualifying date. This ordinance, which passed without discussion among commissioners, has stirred some debate regarding its timing and effect on potential candidates, especially Cooper, who has expressed concerns over insufficient communication about these new requirements.
Leon County Supervisor of Elections Mark Earley has projected a high voter turnout for the 2026 elections, typically averaging in the mid-60s percentage range. This increase in voter engagement could significantly affect the outcomes of the upcoming races as both local leadership positions face competition from a new generation of candidates.
In addition to the developments within the city commission and mayoral races, Leon County Commissioners Proctor and Caban are set to hold a joint press conference to discuss the outcome of a special meeting regarding a proposed fire assessment. This press conference is scheduled for Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the Leon County Courthouse Rotunda located at 301 S. Monroe Street.
In state politics, Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Sen. Jay Collins as lieutenant governor. Collins is rumored to be considering a run for governor in the 2026 elections, adding another dynamic to Florida’s political scene. Meanwhile, Senate President Ben Albritton and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson are working on a new program aimed at distributing fresh food products to assist those experiencing food insecurity — an issue also reflected in Matlow’s campaign focus on economic development and improving living conditions in Tallahassee.
Matlow, who is a business owner and local resident, has emphasized his qualifications as he embarks on his mayoral quest. His intention is to unify the community towards shared goals while tackling concerns surrounding affordable living and maintaining the charm of Tallahassee.
The newly adopted ordinance not only includes the residence stipulation but also raises the filing fee for city positions to 4% of the respective salary, up from the previous 1%. This change aims to standardize practices moving forward and aligns with similar requirements in other major cities in Florida. These adjustments are expected to significantly influence the dynamics of the local political landscape, presenting both opportunities and challenges for candidates in the forthcoming elections.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Democrat: Commissioner Jeremy Matlow files to run for Tallahassee mayor in 2026
- WTXL: New residency requirement for city elections
- Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee Commission results
- WTXL: Tallahassee City Commission pays up to $50K as voters pass charter amendments
- Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee City Commission pauses divisive comp plan deliberations
- Wikipedia: Tallahassee
- Google Search: Tallahassee politics
- Google Scholar: Tallahassee elections
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tallahassee
- Google News: Tallahassee mayoral race
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
