News Summary
Tallahassee’s political landscape is heating up as candidates launch their final campaigns for the upcoming elections. Allison Tant aims for re-election while City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow kicks off his mayoral campaign addressing local governance issues. The race also includes former senator Loranne Ausley and attorney Daryl Parks, alongside local developments like FAMU’s ranking as the top HBCU. Voter engagement is high as discussions around candidates and governance evolve.
Tallahassee is gearing up for a heated political season as candidates launch their final campaigns for the 2026 elections. Allison Tant, the Florida House member representing District 9, recently kicked off her campaign at Food Glorious Food in Midtown. This marks her final push for a term in the House, as she faces term limits by September 30, 2025. First elected on November 3, 2020, Tant has successfully secured re-election and expressed her gratitude towards the supporters in her district.
In a move to address concerns regarding the influence of “wealthy individuals” in local governance, City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow began his campaign for mayor at Proof Brewing Company last weekend. Matlow’s event, which featured a performance by Derek Sanders, the lead singer of Mayday Parade, underscored his focus on crucial issues such as enhancing the arts, promoting childhood wellness, tackling homelessness, and ensuring affordable living in Tallahassee.
The mayoral race is becoming increasingly competitive, with former state senator Loranne Ausley and civil rights attorney Daryl Parks also entering the contest for the Tallahassee mayoral seat. Adding to the political grapevine, Bernard Stevens filed for City Commission Seat 5 on September 5, 2025, challenging incumbent Dianne Williams-Cox, who is seeking re-election. Stevens previously ran for City Commission Seat 2 in 2024 but was defeated by Curtis Richardson. In a lighter vein, discussions have circulated around funding a potential campaign for Bill Montford, humorously suggesting a GoFundMe to convince him to run for office.
As the political campaigns unfold, discussions among voters focus on the qualifications and beliefs of both incumbents and challengers, revealing deep engagement in local governance issues.
On another front, the Florida A&M University (FAMU) recently achieved the distinction of being ranked as the No. 1 Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in America by Niche’s 2026 rankings. President Marva Johnson stated that FAMU remains committed to providing quality student experiences, aligning with the institution’s motto of “Excellence with Caring.” The university also scored high in categories such as Student Life & Dining (A), Faculty (A-), Athletics (B+), and Housing (B-), reflecting significant improvements in student accommodations.
In additional news relevant to the community, the Florida Department of Agriculture announced the preservation of 958 acres of agricultural land in Volusia County through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, aimed at sustaining working lands for future generations. Meanwhile, legislative discussions regarding Hope Florida, a charity program, are ongoing, amid scrutiny regarding its financial activities and future direction.
A recent federal ruling has legalized the open carry of firearms in Florida, leading local law enforcement to clarify that law-abiding citizens will not face arrests for such activities. In another significant development, a major operation in South Florida resulted in six arrests linked to identity theft and fraud involving a criminal group known as the “Felony Lane Gang.”
Looking ahead, preparations are well underway for the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with security measures being actively discussed. In a bid to revitalize neighborhoods, $600,000 in state funding has been allocated to Miami Gardens and Riviera Beach for community and law enforcement initiatives. Meanwhile, the current legislative session includes serious deliberations on issues related to Florida’s public universities and potential changes to eligibility criteria for local elections that could impact political newcomer Camron “Justice” Cooper, altering the dynamics of the ongoing mayoral race.
As the Florida Lottery’s Bright Futures Scholarship program continues to reach out to college students, they aim to support those affected economically. Adding to the excitement on campus, FAMU is set to host a significant homecoming concert on October 16 at the Al Lawson Center, featuring a lineup of popular artists.
The local political landscape in Tallahassee is heating up, with candidates actively engaging the community as they prepare for the 2026 elections, reflecting a vibrant and engaged electorate.
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Additional Resources
- Florida Politics: Takeaways from Tallahassee
- Wikipedia: Tallahassee
- Florida Phoenix: House Votes on Appointees
- Google Search: Florida politics
- Tallahassee.com: New City Ordinance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tallahassee
- Florida Politics: Takeaways from Children’s Week
- Google News: Tallahassee mayor 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.
