Republicans take the first step toward retaking Jacksonville

Ervin Shkulaku/DUANEWS

Republicans may now have their leading candidate in the race to take back Jacksonville City Hall.

Florida State Rep. Wyman Duggan, a Jacksonville Republican and House speaker pro tempore, officially filed paperwork Friday to run for mayor in the 2027 election, setting up a potential challenge to Democratic Mayor Donna Deegan, who is seeking a second term.

Duggan filed his candidacy at the Duval County Supervisor of Elections office on Oct. 2.

He is not the only Republican in the race. Five Republican candidates have filed, but Duggan enters with significant political experience and name recognition. Jacksonville Daily Record described him as the presumptive Republican front-runner, while Republicans have previously expressed interest in eventually consolidating behind one candidate rather than splitting support among several contenders.

Duggan has represented Jacksonville in the Florida House since 2018 and currently serves as speaker pro tempore. Term limits prevent him from seeking another House term.

Duggan puts affordability at center of campaign

In launching his campaign, Duggan focused heavily on the cost of living and city spending.

He said he wants to reduce government expenses, examine property taxes and city fees, lower utility costs and make the permitting process easier for residents and small businesses.

Duggan also argued that Jacksonville has placed too much attention on Downtown development while neighborhoods across the city need greater investment.

He has criticized the Deegan administration’s handling of issues involving Jacksonville’s independent authorities, including JEA, JTA and other agencies.

Deegan is seeking a second term

Deegan, a Democrat, was elected mayor in 2023 and became Jacksonville’s first Democratic mayor since Alvin Brown’s election in 2011.

She has already filed to seek another term in 2027.

The Duval County Democratic Party responded to Duggan’s announcement by criticizing his record in the Florida Legislature, arguing that some policies he supported transferred authority away from local governments. Duggan, meanwhile, has criticized the current administration’s spending and approach to city government.

The competing arguments offer an early indication of the issues likely to shape Jacksonville’s 2027 mayoral campaign.

The Republican field isn’t settled yet

Although Duggan immediately becomes a prominent Republican contender, the GOP nomination is not formally settled.

As of his announcement, five Republicans had filed for the mayoral race, along with Deegan and several independent or write-in candidates. Candidates still must complete the official qualifying process in January 2027.

Jacksonville voters are scheduled to head to the polls for the city election in March 2027.

With Duggan now in the race, the contest for control of Jacksonville City Hall is beginning to take shape.