Former Tampa mayor announces bid for reelection at university event

After serving as the 58th mayor of Tampa from 2011-2019, Bob Buckhorn announced Thursday his intention to run for reelection when Jane Castor’s term-limited position is up in 2027. 

Buckhorn was speaking at a pair of St. Leo University Faith & Politics classes in Pasco County when a student asked about his future plans when he told the group of his intentions, according to a statement from the school.

So far, two other candidates have filed to run for mayor when Castor leaves office: Alan Henderson, an entrepreneur, and Julie Magill, a real estate broker.

Buckhorn lost his bid for mayor in 2003 but made a comeback in 2010. “I was going to do what it takes [to win],” Buckhorn told the students according to the release. “I knocked on 20,000 doors. I walked for 8 hours. I was suffering from heat exhaustion. I couldn't see. But I asked people, ‘What could Tampa be?’”

During his tenure, Buckhorn was attached to several large projects that changed the landscape of Tampa, including the completion of the Tampa Riverwalk, Water Works Park and Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. The transformational Water Street development project also began during his time in office. 

After his tenure, Buckhorn joined Schumaker Advisors as principal in 2022 where he focused on economic development opportunities and urban development strategies, says a release from Schumaker. 

Saint Leo University is a Catholic Benedictine university in Pasco County. It currently offers 55 degree programs to 13,000 students. 

Buckhorn did not respond to a request for comment Thursday afternoon.