Scoop: Rays owners put $411K behind Buckhorn
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Bob Buckhorn is one of 13 candidates vying to be Tampa's next mayor. Photo: Courtesy of Bob Buckhorn
Members of the Rays' new ownership group and businesses associated with them have donated at least $411,000 to Bob Buckhorn's political committee, campaign finance and corporate records show.
Why it matters: In a crowded race for Tampa mayor, Buckhorn is drawing major financial support from the team's ownership, whose ballpark plans will depend, in part, on the city's next administration.
By the numbers: Most of the $411,000 came from businesses owned by Rays investors, which gave $345,000 in all. Individual investors gave another $66,000.
- The largest single donation — $200,000 in February — came from Ayon Capital, according to campaign finance records. Rays limited partner Sidd Pagidipati founded the investment firm.
- Dream Finders Homes, which Rays' managing partner Patrick Zalupski controls, donated $50,000 to Buckhorn's political committee. Dan Doyle Jr. — who is on the team's executive advisory board — also gave $50,000.
Between the lines: Thirteen candidates, including former Mayor Buckhorn and City Council Members Bill Carlson and Lynn Hurtak, are vying to succeed Mayor Jane Castor, who is term-limited.
- Carlson voted for the stadium deal but touted that he took no money from the team, adding that he even picked up the check when he and Rays CEO Ken Babby met for breakfast.
- Tampa's next mayor will inherit the responsibility of seeing the deal through, overseeing construction and signing off on any major changes to the project.
What they're saying: "I am proud to have the support of hundreds of residents all across Tampa's diverse community, including the support from the Rays ownership," Buckhorn told Axios.
- "I am humbled by the faith so many have in me to lead this city and do the heavy lifting of actually getting the stadium and all the ancillary development completed and on the tax rolls."
The Rays declined to comment, and members of the ownership group contacted by Axios did not respond to questions about their donations, support for Buckhorn or conversations with him about the stadium.
What's next: Tampa elects its next mayor March 2, 2027.
- If none of the 13 candidates receive more than 50% of the vote, the top two will advance to an April 27 runoff.