Here's who's running for Tampa's state senate seat
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Florida is still playing a game of political musical chairs, set off by President Trump's appointments and Gov. Ron DeSantis' maneuvering, leaving offices vacant across the state, including in Hillsborough County.
Why it matters: Residents of state Senate District 14, which stretches from South Tampa to Lutz, have been without representation for nearly 100 days since Jay Collins left the seat to serve as lieutenant governor.
- But after some prodding, DeSantis called a special election, and contenders have already emerged.
Driving the news: Qualifying ended Tuesday at noon, locking in the slate of candidates for voters to choose from: State Rep. Josie Tomkow (R-Polk County) and Tampa Democrat Brian Nathan.
- Nathan, a Navy veteran and union leader, entered the race in August and has raised around $17,000 so far. He's drawn support from labor unions and Tampa City Council members Guido Maniscalco and Bill Carson.
- Tomkow left her term-limited House seat to run for state Senate, and her entry last week led fellow Republican Amaro Lionheart to withdraw from the District 14 race. Tomkow has raised $3 million, per Florida Politics.
- Lionheart is instead pursuing Tomkow's open House seat.
Between the lines: DeSantis may have held back from calling the special election because the district has a history of changing hands. Before Collins won the seat in 2022, former state Sen. Janet Cruz (D) held it.
- Republicans maintain a voter registration advantage in the district, but Democrats have overcome similar deficits in past special elections.
- Regardless of the outcome, with the special election set for March 24, 2026, DeSantis ensured that the winner won't influence next year's legislative session, which is scheduled to adjourn before then.
What's next: Only those who reside in the district can vote in the special election. Enter your address here to check. You must be registered before Feb. 23, 2026, to vote in the election.