September 6, 2025

Leon County Candidates Prepare for 2026 Elections

News Summary

As the 2026 election cycle begins in Leon County, Florida, a variety of candidates have emerged for local positions, including County Commission and Tallahassee City Commission seats. With Governor Ron DeSantis term-limited, over 27 candidates are vying for the gubernatorial race. The upcoming general election is set for November 3, with a Citizen Charter Review Committee preparing to propose amendments for the ballot. Current Mayor John Dailey will not seek re-election, opening the door for new leadership as candidates rally support from active voters.

Leon County, Florida

The 2026 election cycle is officially underway in Leon County, Florida, as numerous candidates announce their intentions to run for local positions ahead of the upcoming elections. Key contests include the County Commission Districts 1, 3, and 5, as well as several seats on the Tallahassee City Commission, including Seat 3, Seat 4, designated for the mayoral position, and Seat 5.

As current Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is term-limited and unable to seek re-election in 2026, this has prompted a wide array of candidates to file their papers for the gubernatorial race. To date, more than 20 candidates have submitted their applications to the Florida Division of Elections. This number represents a variety of party affiliations, including Republican, Democrat, Independent, Libertarian, Constitutional, and write-in candidates. The most recent individual to announce their bid for the governor’s office is former House Speaker Paul Renner, who filed his candidacy on September 3, 2025. A total of 27 candidates have officially filed to run for governor, as reported by the Florida Department of Elections.

The 2026 general election is set to take place on November 3, 2026. As part of the election preparation, the Citizen Charter Review Committee (CCRC) will be appointed by Leon County by November 3, 2025, in accordance with the requirements outlined in the County Charter. The CCRC will be tasked with reviewing and proposing amendments to the County’s Home Rule Charter for inclusion on the ballot in the upcoming general election. Meetings for the CCRC will occur biweekly and will be accessible for public viewing on platforms including Comcast, Roku, and social media.

Among those vying for mayor of Tallahassee is Commissioner Jeremy Matlow, who has served in Seat 3 for seven years. Matlow has outlined key priorities for his campaign, focusing on enhancing affordability, improving infrastructure in underserved areas, especially on the south side, and promoting environmental protection. In addition to Matlow, another candidate for mayor, Camron Jabari Cooper, formally filed his candidacy on June 27, 2025.

As the political landscape evolves, current mayor John Dailey, who has contributed 20 years of public service and was first elected in 2018, has announced that he will not seek re-election. His decision leaves the mayoral seat open for new leadership as candidates prepare their platforms.

Voter registration statistics demonstrate a diverse representation of party affiliations among active voters in Leon County. Detailed breakdowns of this data are available county by county, providing insights into the political climate leading up to the election.

As Leon County gears up for the 2026 election cycle, the community is witnessing a dynamic shift in its political landscape, with new candidates emerging and key positions up for grabs. Voters are encouraged to stay informed on the candidates and issues that will shape the future of their local government.

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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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