‘Nothing official yet’: Former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn responds to reports he’s running for a third term

The worst kept secret in Tampa politics finally got some air. Long rumored to be mulling a third term, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn reportedly shared plans to do just that this week.

“Officials at Saint Leo University say Buckhorn spoke to two sessions of a Faith & Politics course, during which he revealed his plans,” WTVT reported.

But Buckhorn, 66, told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that the college’s student newspaper got a little ahead of its skis.

“Nothing official yet. Will certainly let you know when that day comes,” he told CL, adding that he was grateful for the enthusiasm.

Buckhorn—a former city councilman, already served two terms at Tampa’s mayor, from 2011-2019—was succeeded by former Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor, who is currently in her second term as mayor.

Tampa’s City Charter says that, “No person who has, or but for resignation would have, served as mayor for two consecutive, full terms shall be elected as mayor for the succeeding term.”

Election Day in the City of Tampa Municipal Election is March 2, 2027.

It wouldn’t be the first time Tampeños sent a mayor back to city hall for a third term. Dick Greco, the city’s 50th and 56th mayor, did just that in the ‘90s after serving two terms in the ‘60s).

Should he join the race, Buckhorn, a Democrat, would join 24-year-old entrepreneur and Brandon High School graduate Alan Henderson, and former school board candidate Julie Magill in the race.

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This article appears in Apr 24-30, 2025.