September 24, 2025

David T. Hawkins Files to Run for Leon County Commission

News Summary

David T. Hawkins has announced his candidacy for the Leon County Commission District 5 seat, marking the start of a potential competitive race. Hawkins, an employee of the Florida Department of Revenue, aims to tackle issues like affordable housing, crime rates, and homelessness. The current commissioner, David O’Keefe, plans to run for reelection, making Hawkins’s entry a notable development in the election cycle. This will be Hawkins’s final attempt at holding public office, as he seeks to address local concerns and engage with voters on pressing issues.

Tallahassee, Florida – David T. Hawkins has officially filed to run for the Leon County Commission District 5 seat, becoming the first candidate in the race. Hawkins, who is an employee of the Florida Department of Revenue, has previously run for various county commission seats but has not succeeded in those efforts. His announcement marks the beginning of a potentially competitive race as the district’s current commissioner, David O’Keefe, has not yet filed for reelection but plans to do so by the end of the year.

O’Keefe, who has held the District 5 seat, has indicated his intention to continue serving, reinforcing his commitment to the constituents in the district and expressing a desire for their support in the upcoming election. As the incumbent, he will likely be a significant contender should he proceed with his reelection bid.

Hawkins has announced that this campaign will be his final attempt to hold public office. He cited encouragement from friends and family members as a key factor in his decision to enter the race once more. He aims to address what he sees as a lack of sufficient progress on pressing local concerns.

Campaign Focus

Hawkins’s campaign is centered on several pressing issues facing the community, including affordable housing, crime rates, homelessness, and the specific challenge of a food desert in the south side of Tallahassee. Each of these concerns has been noted as detrimental to the quality of life for residents in the district, and Hawkins aims to bring solution-oriented discussions to the forefront of his campaign.

Background Information

Hawkins has a history of running for office, forayed initially into local politics with unsuccessful campaigns against Carolyn Cummings in 2024, and previously in 2016, 2020, and 2022. His repeated attempts reflect a persistent interest in local governance and civic engagement, despite the challenges he has faced at the polls.

The District 5 seat has seen consistent representation, but it remains critical for candidates like Hawkins to raise issues that resonate with voters. Over the years, various challenges, including those related to housing and public safety, have spurred community action and dialogue. The upcoming election is positioned as a significant point for change or continuity in district leadership.

As the election cycle progresses, Hawkins’s platform will likely evolve to engage voters on these relevant issues, all while competing against the established presence of the incumbent. The response from the community will play an essential role in shaping the narrative leading up to the election, providing opportunities for debate and discussion around potential solutions to long-standing local problems.

The race for Leon County Commission District 5 will be closely watched as candidates outline their visions for the future of the district. Voter engagement will be paramount as the election date approaches, and the dialogue regarding pressing community issues intensifies.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

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.

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