ABOVE: Tampa Mayor Jane Castor at Tampa Pride 2019. Photo via Castor’s Facebook.
TAMPA | Mayor Jane Castor’s re-election campaign announced Feb. 27 that Equality Florida Action PAC, the LGBTQ Victory Fund and LPAC have each endorsed her efforts to secure a second term.
Castor made Tampa history with her 2019 election, becoming the city’s 59th and first openly LGBTQ mayor. The Democrat officially launched her 2023 campaign last November and faces one write-in candidate in the nonpartisan election March 7,
“These organizations were among the first to endorse Mayor Castor’s election in 2019, and their continued support is a testament to the progress and inclusivity achieved under her leadership,” the campaign announced. “As the first LGBTQ person to be elected Mayor of Tampa, Mayor Castor has been a trailblazer in the fight for equality and justice for all city residents.”
Equality Florida Action PAC, the political arm of the state’s largest LGBTQ-focused civil rights organization, shared that they were proud to endorse Castor for a second term. The mayor was among the supporters who helped unveil Equality Florida’s latest LGBTQ-focused mural in Seminole Heights in January.
“Mayor Castor’s commitment to building an inclusive Tampa has made her one of Florida’s most popular mayors,” Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith said in a statement. “In a time when Governor DeSantis takes every chance to punch down at our LGBTQ community, Mayor Jane Castor is demonstrating what is possible when out and proud LGBTQ leaders work hand in hand with our communities.
“She’s made history in Tampa Bay and we’re proud to help her make history again as she is re-elected to lead one of Florida’s most important cities,” she added.
Mayor Annise Parker, the president and CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, seconded the notion. The organization is dedicated to electing openly LGBTQ leaders across the U.S.
“Mayor Castor is not only a trailblazer for our community, but also a proven leader with a track record of success,” Parker said. “We are excited to support her effort to keep Tampa moving forward.”
In her statement, LPAC Executive Director Lisa Turner noted that “few big city mayors who can point to a first-term record like Mayor Jane Castor.” The organization has followed her efforts as the premier national committee supporting LGBTQ women who run for political office.
“Whether leading the city through the COVID-19 pandemic, building affordable housing, or improving infrastructure, Mayor Castor has been an effective chief executive for Tampa,” Turner said. “Representation matters and Mayor Castor is one of just three LGBTQ women currently leading a top-100 U.S. city. Endorsing her re-election was an easy decision for LPAC.”
Castor welcomed the news.
“I am deeply honored to have the support of these organizations and their members,” she said. “Their work on behalf of the LGBTQ community is vital, and I am committed to continuing to work alongside them to ensure that all residents of Tampa have the opportunity to thrive.”
In addition to Castor’s race for mayor, six of seven City Council seats are contested in Tampa. Candidates include openly LGBTQ Rick Fifer for District 6, who you can learn more about here.
Early voting is currently underway in Tampa’s 2023 Municipal Election and ends March 5. Election Day is March 7. For more information, visit VoteHillsborough.gov.
