Hillsborough Medical Association’s HILLPAC Endorses Bob Buckhorn for Mayor of Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. – The Hillsborough Medical Political Action Committee, HILLPAC, the political action committee of the Hillsborough County Medical Association, has endorsed Bob Buckhorn in the 2027 race for mayor of Tampa.

HILLPAC represents the local medical community in the public policy process and supports candidates who understand the issues affecting physicians, patients and the overall health and well-being of Hillsborough County residents.

“Bob Buckhorn has demonstrated the leadership, experience and commitment to Tampa necessary to move our city forward,” said Dr. Michael Cromer, president of HILLPAC. “HILLPAC is proud to endorse his campaign and looks forward to serving as a resource to him and his administration.”

Buckhorn said the endorsement reflects a shared commitment to making Tampa safer and healthier while improving the quality of life for every resident, regardless of where they live.

“I am honored to earn the support of HILLPAC and the physicians who care for Tampa families every day,” Buckhorn said. “As someone who is married to a physician, I know firsthand the compassion, care and dedication doctors bring to their patients and our community. Wellness is shaped not only in doctors’ offices, but also in the neighborhoods where we live. Safe parks, shaded sidewalks, a strong tree canopy, clean waterways and accessible places to walk, exercise and gather all contribute to healthier lives. Every Tampa resident deserves those opportunities, regardless of their ZIP code.”

Buckhorn’s vision includes strengthening Tampa’s identity as a wellness-focused city by protecting its tree canopy, preserving green space, expanding access to parks and recreational opportunities, and creating safer, more walkable neighborhoods. These investments can help residents remain active, reduce heat exposure, improve air quality and support both physical and mental well-being.

A Tampa for All of Us, is focused on restoring effective city leadership, strengthening public safety, improving infrastructure, expanding housing opportunities and ensuring every neighborhood receives the attention it deserves.

The HILLPAC endorsement adds to Buckhorn’s broad coalition of support from public safety professionals, medical leaders, community advocates and organizations across Tampa.

The endorsement adds to a growing coalition of support from Tampa Bay’s community and highlights the broad range of organizations backing Bob Buckhorn’s campaign. Among those supporting Buckhorn are Tampa Fire Rescue 754, the Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Association, and the Tampa Bay Police Benevolent Association.

Tampa Police Benevolent Association Endorses Bob Buckhorn for Mayor

TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Police Benevolent Association officially endorsed former Mayor Bob Buckhorn in the 2027 Tampa mayoral election during an event Monday at the Tampa PBA office, citing his proven public-safety record and vision for keeping Tampa safe as the city continues to grow.

“There aren’t many active or retired Tampa cops that don’t have a story about Bob Buckhorn backing them up on a call or assisting in a potentially dangerous situation.  It could be the middle of the night or in the pouring rain and he would stop, get out to make sure that they were safe.  He has always had our backs and we have his” said Brandon Barclay, president of the Tampa Police Benevolent Association. “As mayor, he listened to the officers on the street, provided the resources they needed and built a state-of-the-art firearms training facility where officers could prepare for real-life situations. His leadership helped reduce Tampa’s crime rate by more than 40 percent. We know Bob will continue investing in the people, training and technology officers need to meet Tampa’s future public-safety challenges. We trust his leadership and are proud to endorse him for mayor.”

During Buckhorn’s eight years as mayor, Tampa’s crime rate fell by more than 40 percent. His administration invested in officers, equipment and technology and built a new $5.4 million police firearms training facility featuring nearly 60 shooting lanes, classrooms and a configurable training structure where officers could practice realistic scenarios.

As Tampa continues to grow, Buckhorn has pledged to keep public safety at the center of his administration by recruiting and retaining highly qualified officers, ensuring competitive pay and benefits and investing in modern training, equipment and technology. He will also prioritize stronger partnerships between officers and the neighborhoods they serve.

“Nothing matters more than keeping Tampa’s families and neighborhoods safe, and I am honored to have the support of the officers who put their lives on the line for our city every day,” Buckhorn said. “When I was mayor, we worked together to reduce crime by more than 40 percent and built the modern training facility our officers needed. Tampa is changing, and our public-safety strategy must keep pace. As mayor, I will make sure our officers have the staffing, training, equipment, technology and support they need to protect every neighborhood and keep Tampa safe for the next generation.”

The Tampa PBA endorsement adds to Buckhorn’s growing support from Tampa’s public-safety community. He has also earned endorsements from Tampa Fire Fighters Local 754 and the Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Association.

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Tampa Bay Area Police Chiefs Association Endorses Bob Buckhorn for Mayor

TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Police Chiefs Association today announced its endorsement of Bob Buckhorn for Mayor of Tampa, citing his proven record of supporting law enforcement and his vision to keep Tampa one of the safest cities in America.

The endorsement reflects Buckhorn's longstanding commitment to public safety and his collaborative approach to working alongside the men and women who protect Tampa's neighborhoods every day.

"I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Tampa Bay Police Chiefs Association," said Bob Buckhorn. "Keeping residents safe is government's most important responsibility. Throughout my career, I've worked hand in hand with our law enforcement officers to reduce crime, strengthen neighborhoods and build trust between police and the community. But public safety isn't something we can take for granted. As Tampa continues to evolve, we must stay ahead of emerging challenges by investing in our officers, embracing new technology, addressing recruitment and retention, and ensuring our police department has the resources it needs to protect every neighborhood."

"As mayor, I will continue making public safety my top priority by supporting competitive pay and benefits to recruit and retain the best officers, expanding the use of technology that helps solve crimes faster, strengthening partnerships with neighborhood organizations and schools to prevent crime before it happens, addressing quality-of-life issues that impact families, and ensuring our first responders have the training and equipment they need to keep our community safe. Every resident, no matter their ZIP code, deserves to feel safe where they live, work and raise a family."

During Buckhorn's previous tenure as mayor, Tampa experienced significant reductions in crime while making strategic investments in policing, neighborhood partnerships and public safety infrastructure. His administration worked closely with law enforcement to expand community policing, invest in new equipment and technology, and support initiatives that made neighborhoods safer.

"Bob Buckhorn has always understood that effective public safety begins with strong leadership and real partnerships,” Major Jeffrey Peeke, President of the Tampa Bay Area Police Chiefs Association. "He respects the work our officers do, listens to public safety professionals, and has consistently demonstrated a commitment to giving law enforcement the tools and support needed to keep our communities safe. We are proud to endorse Bob Buckhorn for Mayor."

Buckhorn's public safety agenda includes supporting law enforcement recruitment and retention, investing in innovative technology to improve emergency response and crime prevention, strengthening community policing initiatives, expanding partnerships that address youth violence and mental health, improving traffic safety, and ensuring Tampa's police and fire departments remain among the best equipped and best trained in the nation.

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Tampa Fire Rescue Union 754 Endorses Bob Buckhorn for Mayor

TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Fire Fighters Union today announced its endorsement of Bob Buckhorn for Mayor, citing his proven record of supporting first responders, investing in public safety infrastructure, and delivering results for Tampa families.

The endorsement adds to the growing coalition of community leaders, public safety professionals, and residents supporting Buckhorn's vision for a safer, stronger Tampa.

"As mayor, I will invest in Tampa Fire Rescue by ensuring our firefighters have the staffing, equipment, training, and facilities they need to meet the demands of a growing city," said Bob Buckhorn. "That means continuing to modernize fire stations, strengthening emergency response capabilities, supporting recruitment and retention efforts, and making sure our first responders have the resources necessary to keep Tampa families safe.

"Keeping our residents safe is government's most important responsibility. I am honored to earn the endorsement of the brave men and women of Tampa Fire Rescue and grateful for their trust and support."

The Tampa Fire Fighters Union said Buckhorn's record of partnership with firefighters and commitment to public safety made him the clear choice for mayor.

"Bob Buckhorn doesn’t just talk about public safety. He invests in it," said Nick Stocco, President of the Tampa Fire Fighters Union 754. "During his time as mayor, Tampa built and modernized fire stations, strengthened emergency response capabilities, and made sure firefighters had a seat at the table. He understands the challenges first responders face because he has worked alongside us to solve them. Public safety is the foundation of a strong city, and Bob has a proven record of delivering for both firefighters and the residents we serve every day. That's why we're proud to endorse him for Mayor."

During Buckhorn's administration, the City of Tampa invested in public safety infrastructure, including the construction and modernization of multiple fire stations and improvements to emergency response capabilities throughout the city.

"Public safety is not a partisan issue. It's a community issue," Buckhorn added. "As Tampa continues to grow, we must stay ahead of the challenges that come with it. I look forward to working alongside our firefighters to ensure they have the personnel, technology, equipment, and modern facilities necessary to protect our neighborhoods and maintain the high level of service Tampa residents deserve."

Bob Buckhorn to File for Mayor of Tampa, Outlining Vision for Tampa’s Future

TAMPA, Fla. (April 13, 2026) – Bob Buckhorn today officially filed paperwork to run for mayor of Tampa in 2027, launching a campaign centered on building “A Tampa for All of Us” and shaping the city’s next chapter.

“I’m stepping forward because I believe in a simple idea: A Tampa for All of Us,” said Bob Buckhorn. “New ideas. Proven leadership. Real results. A future for every neighborhood.

“You’ve seen what strong leadership can deliver. Despite the recession, we balanced budgets, restored the city’s confidence, and laid the foundation for the Tampa we enjoy today. For eight years, I got up every day thinking about you and how we can build a city you are proud of.

“Tampa’s growth is real, but so are the challenges.

“Uncertainty in the world. Rising housing costs. Traffic congestion. Increasing grocery prices. Aging infrastructure—and too many families feeling squeezed.

“Our future demands more than just managing the present,” Buckhorn continued. “This is a pivotal moment to write Tampa’s next chapter—to build a city that works not just for today, but for the next generation.

“A city where opportunity reaches every neighborhood. Where every person feels part of our success. Where families can build a future and know they belong here.”

Buckhorn, who served as mayor from 2011 to 2019, led Tampa through a period of economic recovery and transformation—balancing budgets, strengthening the city’s financial foundation, and helping catalyze billions in private investment. Signature projects like the Tampa Riverwalk and Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park helped redefine Tampa’s identity and connect neighborhoods in new ways.

“I’m running to help shape Tampa’s future—building on what’s working and making sure every neighborhood shares in our progress. I know what it takes to deliver.”

Buckhorn emphasized that building Tampa’s future will require a shared effort across the community.

“But I can’t do it alone—we need each and every one of you.”

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