Know your vote. Take a look at your sample ballot now!

Mayoral election in Jacksonville, Florida (March 21, 2023, general election)

From Ballotpedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Ballotpedia Election Coverage Badge-smaller use.png
Special state legislative • Local ballot measures • Municipal • Recalls • How to run for office
Flag of Florida.png


← 2019
2023 Jacksonville elections
Ballotpedia Election Coverage Badge.png
Election dates
Filing deadline: January 13, 2023
General election: March 21, 2023
Runoff election: May 16, 2023
Election stats
Offices up: Mayor
Total seats up: 1 (click here for other city elections)
Election type: Partisan
Other municipal elections
U.S. municipal elections, 2023

Donna Deegan (D) and Daniel Davis (R) defeated six other candidates in the general election for mayor of Jacksonville, Florida, on March 21, 2023. Since Deegan and Davis were the top-two vote-getters and no candidate received more than 50% of the vote, they advanced to a runoff on May 16, 2023. Click here to read more about the runoff election.

Donna Deegan (D), Audrey Gibson (D), LeAnna Cumber (R), Daniel Davis (R), and Al Ferraro (R) led the field in media coverage and fundraising. Incumbent Mayor Lenny Curry (R) was term-limited and could not run for re-election. All candidates ran in the general election regardless of party affiliation.

The Florida Times-Union’s Nate Monroe called Jacksonville’s mayoral election system “a recipe that complicates conventional electoral math and can lead to surprises, and it makes larger fields with multiple viable candidates, as this year appears to feature, difficult to handicap.”[1]

Deegan and Gibson were the only two Democrats who filed to run. Deegan was a philanthropist, author, and local television news anchor.[2] Gibson represented Jacksonville in the Florida State Senate from 2016 to 2022, after serving in the Florida House of Representatives from 2002 to 2010.[3]

Cumber, Davis, and Ferarro were three of the four Republicans who filed to run. Cumber was a business owner and member of the Jacksonville City Council, representing District 5.[4] Davis was the chief executive officer of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and a former member of the Florida House of Representatives.[5] Ferraro was a business owner and member of the Jacksonville City Council, representing District 2.[6]

Click here to read more about the candidates and their key messages.

Frank Keasler (R), Omega Allen (I), and write-in candidate Brian Griffin (I) also ran.

A Republican mayor had held office in Jacksonville since Curry was first elected in 2015, making it the most populous American city with a Republican mayor at the time of the election. In 2015, Curry defeated then-incumbent Alvin Brown (D) 51% to 49% in the May runoff election. The 2019 mayoral election was decided in the March general election, with Curry receiving 58% of the vote over Anna Lopez Brosche’s (R) 24%, Omega Allen’s (I) 11%, and Jimmy Hill’s (R) 8%.

As of March 2023, the partisan breakdown of the mayors of the 100 largest U.S. cities was 62 Democrats, 26 Republicans, three independents, and seven nonpartisans. Two mayors' partisan affiliations were unknown.[7] Based on 2020 population estimates, 76.1% of the population of the top 100 cities lived in cities with Democratic mayors, and 16.2% lived in cities with Republican mayors at the start of 2022.

Donna Deegan (D), Frank Keasler (R), and Brian Griffin (Independent) completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Click on a candidate's name to view that candidate's responses.

Elections

Click on the tabs below to show more information about those topics.

Candidates and results

General runoff election

General runoff election for Mayor of Jacksonville

Donna Deegan defeated Daniel Davis in the general runoff election for Mayor of Jacksonville on May 16, 2023.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Donna Deegan
Donna Deegan (D) Candidate Connection
 
52.1
 
113,226
Image of Daniel Davis
Daniel Davis (R)
 
47.9
 
104,172

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 217,398
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

General election

General election for Mayor of Jacksonville

The following candidates ran in the general election for Mayor of Jacksonville on March 21, 2023.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Donna Deegan
Donna Deegan (D) Candidate Connection
 
39.4
 
66,192
✔
Image of Daniel Davis
Daniel Davis (R)
 
24.7
 
41,505
Image of Al Ferraro
Al Ferraro (R)
 
16.2
 
27,265
Image of Audrey Gibson
Audrey Gibson (D)
 
8.6
 
14,440
Image of LeAnna Cumber
LeAnna Cumber (R)
 
7.6
 
12,721
Image of Frank Keasler
Frank Keasler (R) Candidate Connection
 
2.4
 
4,011
Image of Omega Allen
Omega Allen (Independent)
 
0.9
 
1,584
Image of Brian Griffin
Brian Griffin (Independent) (Write-in) Candidate Connection
 
0.1
 
149

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 167,867
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Additional elections on the ballot

See also: Florida elections, 2023

What's on your ballot?
Click here to find out using My Vote


March 21, 2023
May 16, 2023

Candidate comparison

Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Donna Deegan

Image of Donna Deegan

WebsiteFacebookTwitterYouTube

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "I have deep roots, five generations strong in Jacksonville. As a trusted voice with 25 years of experience in the TV news anchor chair, I am intimately familiar with the city and its people. Over the course of my career, I have lived a shared life with this community and listened to their stories, struggles, and achievements. I have witnessed firsthand how the system prioritizes the interests of the few over those of working families. While working, I was diagnosed with breast cancer three times. This community showed up for me with prayers and hard truths about their own cancer journeys. Hearing from people all over Jacksonville who were choosing between food and medicine led me to create and lead the DONNA Foundation, which has provided financial assistance and support to over 17,500 families living with breast cancer and has raised millions for research. I founded the 26.2 with DONNA marathon, which has brought 60 million dollars of economic impact to Jacksonville to date. I know how to vision, build, and put the right people on the bus to get things done because I’ve done it. When elected, I know that my unique experience, dedication and track record of showing up will enable me to lead the city of Jacksonville to greatness. I will continue to be a strong advocate for the community and will ensure that everyone's voices are heard in City Hall. I am committed to serving the citizens of Duval County and making a positive impact on their lives."

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

I decided to run for Mayor of Jacksonville because our city needs change for good - change for the better and change that lasts. I envision a brighter future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in Jacksonville, and I am confident in my abilities to steer the city toward growth and success. I believe that strong leadership, political will, and a clear vision will bring improvements in infrastructure, public health, housing affordability, and an inclusive economy. For too long, that leadership has been lacking in a City Hall that only works for a handful of well-connected people. My family has a rich history here in Jacksonville, and I am motivated to uphold that legacy of service by making our city one that works for all of us.

As a 25-year veteran TV news reporter, I know Jacksonville through and through. My time spent in every corner of the city earned me the trust of the community. Surviving 3 bouts of breast cancer and hearing stories of people having to choose between food and medicine inspired me to create and lead the DONNA Foundation, which has helped over 17,500 families living with breast cancer and raised millions for research. I also started the 26.2 with DONNA marathon, bringing $60M of economic impact to the city. If elected I'll bring my experience and dedication to advocating for women and families to represent everyone in City Hall. I have always stood up for the community and I'll continue to do so as your next Mayor.

I would hope to be remembered as the mayor who finally brought Jacksonville to its full potential downtown as we open up our riverfront and bring the people of all walks into our vibrant, resilient, connected neighborhoods and parks. And the mayor who made sure that in a city with the best healthcare in the country, we also have the best health outcomes. Most of all, I would hope to be remembered for my leadership and ability to bring people together to work toward common goals for the people of Jacksonville.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Jacksonville in 2023.

Audrey Gibson

Image of Audrey Gibson

WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: 

Biography:  Gibson received a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Florida State University. Her professional experience included working as a business/community liaison with the Jacksonville Job Corps Center, legal liaison, and in public relations.


Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

Gibson’s campaign website highlighted her experience in the state legislature, saying, “Audrey is a Jacksonville native and has been a productive leader in the city for years. [...] She has delivered needed progress on issues like transportation, job creation, health care, veteran services, environmental mitigation, saving Jax libraries and cultural venues.”

Gibson said she would support budget transparency and work to secure federal funds for the city. She said she would make investments in tourism, indigent healthcare, and increasing economically accessible housing stock.

In a debate, Gibson said, “Did you know our city is becoming very diverse? We need leadership that understands that.” She said she would work to ensure budgets “reflect our priorities for every community, in every neighborhood, down to the block” and request social impact statements on city council legislation.

Show sources

Sources: Audrey Gibson's campaign website, "Issues," accessed January 30, 2023; YouTube, "Jacksonville Mayoral Debate ahead of March 2023 election," November 21, 2022; Florida House of Representatives, "Audrey Gibson," accessed January 30, 2023; Vote Smart, "Audrey Gibson's Biography," accessed January 30, 2023

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Jacksonville in 2023.

LeAnna Cumber

Image of LeAnna Cumber

WebsiteFacebookTwitterYouTube

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: 

Jacksonville City Council - District 5 (Assumed office: 2019)

Biography:  Cumber received a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from the University of Texas at Austin and a law degree from the University of Southern California. She worked as a lawyer specializing in transportation and securing transportation-related grants.


Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

Cumber said, “I’m not afraid to stand up to the special interests and the ‘good old boys club’ that are taking advantage of our tax dollars and putting themselves ahead of the larger community.” She said she would work to reduce taxes on gas, audit city spending, and make investments in transportation, parks, and other infrastructure.

On public safety, Cumber highlighted her role in passing legislation targeting human trafficking and increasing funding for law enforcement. She said she would work to reduce crime by funding the police department.

Cumber said education was a prioirity in her platform. She said, “Under my leadership, Jacksonville will be the most school-choice-friendly city in Florida. [...] I will also support funding for parks, recreation, and early childhood learning while ensuring parents are empowered to make the best decisions for their children.”

Show sources

Sources: LeAnna Cumber's campaign website, "Issues," accessed January 30, 2023; LinkedIn, "LeAnna Gutierrez Cumber," accessed January 30, 2023

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Jacksonville in 2023.

Daniel Davis

Image of Daniel Davis

WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: 

Biography:  Davis received a bachelor’s degree from Maranatha Baptist Bible College. He worked as the executive director of the Northeast Florida Builders Association and as the president and chief executive officer of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce.


Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

Davis said he would lower taxes and bring new jobs to Jacksonville. Regarding his economic priorities, he said, “We can grow jobs AND prepare infrastructure. We can have success at the Port AND protect the river. We can create world class amenities for sports and entertainment opportunities for everyone AND perform the nuts and bolts of government.”

Davis said public safety was a focus of his campaign, and that he would increase the number of police officers on the street and invest in public safety programs. He said, “All the options are on the table, in my opinion, to make sure that we have the best and brightest serving our citizens."

On education, Davis said he would prioritize, “Improved public education, expanded after school programs and enhanced [...] parks and outdoor facilities.” He also said, “We can strengthen our public schools AND foster school choice to meet the needs of our students.”

Show sources

Sources: Florida Times-Union, "Daniel Davis pledges to expand police force as he accepts Jacksonville sheriff's endorsement," January 24, 2023; Daniel Davis' campaign website, "Home," accessed January 30, 2023; Florida House of Representatives, "Daniel Davis," accessed January 30, 2023

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Jacksonville in 2023.

Al Ferraro

Image of Al Ferraro

WebsiteFacebook

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: 

Jacksonville City Council -  District 2 (Assumed office: 2015)

Biography:  Ferraro attended Sandalwood High School. At the time of the election, he owned a landscaping business serving the Jacksonville area, Ferraro Lawn Service, which he started in 1986.


Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

Ferraro’s campaign website said, “reducing crime and making Jacksonville a safer place to raise a family is Al’s top priority.” He highlighted legislation he supported to maintain police department funding, ban internet cafés used for gambling, and allow law enforcement to stop individuals involved in illegal forms of solicitation.

Ferraro said he supported financial transparency and reduced spending. His campaign website said, “He has boldly advocated for funding core functions while keeping government out of the pockets of hard working residents of Jacksonville.”

Ferraro’s campaign website said, “He respects the rich diversity of beliefs across our city but it is impossible to know Al without understanding the principles by which he lives. Al will stand for strong, Christian values and empower families and churches to exercise their God given freedoms.”

Show sources

Sources: Al Ferraro's campaign website, "Home," accessed January 30, 2023; LinkedIn, "Al Ferraro," accessed January 30, 2023

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Jacksonville in 2023.

Frank Keasler

Image of Frank Keasler

Website

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "Frank R. Keasler is a native-born citizen of Jacksonville. Frank earned a B.B.S. in Accounting from UNF, a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Cumberland School of Law, and a Master of Laws in Taxation from the University of Florida. Frank is “dad” to four wonderful children: Chapman (25), Grayson (22), Maddox (19) and Fallan (18). A man of faith and uncompromising belief in the gift of life bestowed from the Creator who shed His Grace on This Land. Frank is answering a call by God and of, by and for We The People…Who believe and live knowing this is The Land of the Free and The Home of the Brave, and a Nation where Liberty and Justice must ring true…FOR ALL. Frank will be “at it from day one to see clearly” how we can clearly do government in our City, better, faster and for less tax dollars. Under the CLEAR (Comprehensive Local Examination Audit, Review, Recommendation and Restructuring) Ordinance, the Keasler Administration will look at every dime, every service, every “entrenched” relationship with the COJ. As Mayor, Frank will be emboldened in his commitment to see every challenge and wrong as an opportunity to inspire and bring about change."

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

An Awakening. Building Together. A City of People With Their Heads Lifted! The first order of business for those inspired to lift their focus is to focus on the condition of our Nation. And then the next order, is to affirm to and in one another "Red, Yellow Black, White, and Brown, You have meaning and purpose wherever You are found, The Creator knows and loves all the people of the World.

If we cannot come together under that one cornerstone of all of our core beliefs, then how will we change a thing in this city, and therefore, in a hurting Nation? But if we do come together, press hard to enlighten the issue or your challenge to find, one single thing anchored to such fundamental understanding, that we cannot get done together to change our city. By default, if we bring An Awakening. Building Together. to our Nation's cities we thereby, bring healing and unity to our land.

If we continue to elect horses boarded, kept and saddled up by and one of the two "Party Stables" as we have for 50+ years, then expect what we always get; nothing but little people, fighting for little power seats, itching to get into the people's cheese and while there -in those seats history saves for little men - these rats raise the cost of cheese! If we want what we have, we will always have a "party pick" which is and has always been, nothing but a dancer for the Marionettist, i.e., the corruption which lives in the shadows of American Politics.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Jacksonville in 2023.

Brian Griffin

Image of Brian Griffin

Facebook

Party: Independent

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "Born in Canal Zone, Panama, 4th generation. My great grandfather was one of the first pilots, through the Panama Canal. Raised for 9 years in Honduras. Fluent in Spanish. I have an international family, from the US, Brazil, Colombia, Spain, Puerto Rico & Cuba. Resident of Jacksonville for over 25 years & have been visiting since I was 20. Majored in advertising, in college. I have started a couple businesses & helped a couple friends start businesses. I have worked many kinds of jobs; my favorite was working on a major corporation's 401k plan."

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

No party affiliated, grassroots, fiscal conservative, write-in candidate. For these reasons, I can keep my promises, with no party politics & special interest influence.

Crime, affordable housing, storm resilience/readiness, our public schools & the traffic congestion are all problems that affect the entire city. I have real solutions to fix these problems, for all residents.

I will represent & serve all of Jacksonville's residents equally. By improving all neighborhoods & all areas of Jacksonville, we will reduce crime, helping small businesses & bring all public schools to the highest standards, to give everybody a level playing field.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Jacksonville in 2023.

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Expand all | Collapse all

Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/DonnaDeegan2.jpg

Donna Deegan (D)

I decided to run for Mayor of Jacksonville because our city needs change for good - change for the better and change that lasts. I envision a brighter future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in Jacksonville, and I am confident in my abilities to steer the city toward growth and success. I believe that strong leadership, political will, and a clear vision will bring improvements in infrastructure, public health, housing affordability, and an inclusive economy. For too long, that leadership has been lacking in a City Hall that only works for a handful of well-connected people. My family has a rich history here in Jacksonville, and I am motivated to uphold that legacy of service by making our city one that works for all of us.

As a 25-year veteran TV news reporter, I know Jacksonville through and through. My time spent in every corner of the city earned me the trust of the community. Surviving 3 bouts of breast cancer and hearing stories of people having to choose between food and medicine inspired me to create and lead the DONNA Foundation, which has helped over 17,500 families living with breast cancer and raised millions for research. I also started the 26.2 with DONNA marathon, bringing $60M of economic impact to the city. If elected I'll bring my experience and dedication to advocating for women and families to represent everyone in City Hall. I have always stood up for the community and I'll continue to do so as your next Mayor.

I would hope to be remembered as the mayor who finally brought Jacksonville to its full potential downtown as we open up our riverfront and bring the people of all walks into our vibrant, resilient, connected neighborhoods and parks. And the mayor who made sure that in a city with the best healthcare in the country, we also have the best health outcomes. Most of all, I would hope to be remembered for my leadership and ability to bring people together to work toward common goals for the people of Jacksonville.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

No party affiliated, grassroots, fiscal conservative, write-in candidate. For these reasons, I can keep my promises, with no party politics & special interest influence.

Crime, affordable housing, storm resilience/readiness, our public schools & the traffic congestion are all problems that affect the entire city. I have real solutions to fix these problems, for all residents.

I will represent & serve all of Jacksonville's residents equally. By improving all neighborhoods & all areas of Jacksonville, we will reduce crime, helping small businesses & bring all public schools to the highest standards, to give everybody a level playing field.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

An Awakening. Building Together. A City of People With Their Heads Lifted! The first order of business for those inspired to lift their focus is to focus on the condition of our Nation. And then the next order, is to affirm to and in one another "Red, Yellow Black, White, and Brown, You have meaning and purpose wherever You are found, The Creator knows and loves all the people of the World.

If we cannot come together under that one cornerstone of all of our core beliefs, then how will we change a thing in this city, and therefore, in a hurting Nation? But if we do come together, press hard to enlighten the issue or your challenge to find, one single thing anchored to such fundamental understanding, that we cannot get done together to change our city. By default, if we bring An Awakening. Building Together. to our Nation's cities we thereby, bring healing and unity to our land.

If we continue to elect horses boarded, kept and saddled up by and one of the two "Party Stables" as we have for 50+ years, then expect what we always get; nothing but little people, fighting for little power seats, itching to get into the people's cheese and while there -in those seats history saves for little men - these rats raise the cost of cheese! If we want what we have, we will always have a "party pick" which is and has always been, nothing but a dancer for the Marionettist, i.e., the corruption which lives in the shadows of American Politics.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/DonnaDeegan2.jpg

Donna Deegan (D)

As Mayor, my top priorities will be to address infrastructure, public health and safety, and build an inclusive economy.

First, I will work to improve the conditions of neglected neighborhoods by repairing crumbling infrastructure, which I believe is essential for the growth and development of our city. It’s time to make good on broken promises to those neighborhoods since the time of consolidation on everything from septic tank removal to sidewalks. Resiliency will be key in those decisions. I believe we must also tackle the affordable housing crisis.

Second, I will focus on improving public health access and education. I am the only candidate to propose a policy that would move our city out of the basement of health outcomes and have a four point plan to do just that.

Third, I aim to foster an inclusive economy by collaborating with current corporate partners and attracting businesses that align with this goal, to ensure that all residents of Jacksonville benefit from economic growth. We must diversify and activate our city boards to create a diverse citizen voice in our government that looks like Jacksonville. I will have an office dedicated to bringing the same business resources to our neglected neighborhoods as those resources exist in other parts of our city.

I believe, as mayor, my best levers for reducing crime are economic. A collaborative approach that combines causes of poverty, education, food insecurity and of course partnership with our sheriff.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

I would never defund the police, but some changes & additions would help. The Internal Affairs offices should be removed from the Police Headquarters, so there is not intimidation, when an officer wants to report bad actions. We should also include a specially trained unit, to take care of residents with mental problems. This will protect both, residents & police officers.

To decrease crime, I will put new streetlights everywhere, proven to reduce crime up to 39%. Streetlights & rumble strips will reduce hit & runs too. In the higher crime areas, I will add turnabouts, speed bumps & rumble strips everywhere, making it hard to drive fast or sneak into a neighborhood, reducing drive-bys. We need to invest in poorer, neglected neighborhoods, eliminating redlining, to improve their ability to start small businesses & improve their lives. We need to show kids they can succeed, no matter where they live.

I would begin storm resilience & readiness immediately, raising breakwaters, reinforcing tributary & river edges, get more dependable flood prevention, in most affected areas & in some cases, dredging drainage ditches & tributaries may be necessary.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

Nothing speaks to the character and nature of a city as their philosophies and actions towards “the least of these”. Remember, "the humblest [city] of all the world, when clad in the armor of a righteous cause, is stronger than all the hosts of Error." For our city’s light to be seen brightly and vividly, it must cast its illumination to warm, brighten and change the paths of our poor and homeless and embrace those marginalized and victimize by the brokenness of our world. With an ELEVATE NORTHEST program we will deliver the first ever HUD & HHS “Regional Life Training Township” and "Campus for Sustained Independence"(our "CSI"). A place where a “town center” of educational -classroom and OJT - and vocational training across as many disciples as are availed, are the focal point of the residents of " On Campus Housing". This is where the able bodied but trapped in generation poverty or otherwise, underserved, citizen of our city, become the B.P.O.C. - the Big People On Campus. A CSI is where we train students to live and, for once, finding a purpose which inspires their applied industry and diligent pursuit towards a purpose and career in a trade or a profession, but always in furtherance of their unique gifts. What we find are lives with the ability to sustain life...independently! Now That's Freedom! In association with ELEVATE NORTHWEST and our CSI, we present to our city the creation of A HARVEST CITY…The Least of These Feed with the Hands of the Most Precious of These!
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

Teddy Roosevelt. Although he may be considered politically incorrect today, I always admired his get up & go. He didn't sit around, talking about situations, he went out & fixed the problems, no matter where or what they were. The true, "the buck stops here", politician.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

Jesus Christ, Jefferson, Hamilton, Washington, Franklin, Booker T. Washington, Harriet Tubman, Sherman, William and Catherine Booth, Robert Ingersoll, Henry Ford, Teddy Roosevelt, Billy Sunday, Rosa Parks, Billy Graham, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Victor Davis Hansen, Bill Maher, Tucker Carlson.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

The Federalist Papers, Biographies on Adams, Jefferson, Lincoln, Theordore Roosevelt, Kennedy and Reagan. The Bible of course.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/DonnaDeegan2.jpg

Donna Deegan (D)

Honesty, integrity, compassion, empathy, visionary leadership
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

Honest, fiscal conservative, who serves selflessly.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

An inner being and spirit that is wired, almost in their DNA, to reflect and live by transparent humanity, absolute honesty and genuine humility.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

I am selfless, a fiscal conservative & always consider others' perspectives.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

As a 40 year highly educated professional having spent a career in "getting a deal done", providing creative solutions so controversy was quelled, or opportunity attained for my client. What we need in the mayor's office is a business mind and character for handling and leading "the people's business" not the business of my political career. As you review all websites of the Jacksonville, Florida mayoral candidates, there is ONLY ONE which provides the ideas for bringing about the change we need. Slogans, catch phrases and buzz words are the staple of our political landscape. And we wonder why our harvest of life is waning and society is fracturing. History has never labeled a leader because of his or her fancy speech and "tickling the ears of the people."
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

Honest to the residents & serve every resident equally.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

In the words of the prophet Micah, the only person who should hold this office is a person who understands the calling "to practice justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Only such a person has the freedom to be transparent, frank in all speech and one whose words never change even though the audience does!
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/DonnaDeegan2.jpg

Donna Deegan (D)

After serving as Mayor, I would hope to be remembered as a unifier. In the newsroom and in the world of cancer philanthropy there is no focus on red or blue, only on solutions that help people. I’d like to be remembered for creating a Jacksonville where we return to our roots in arts and entertainment, a key to making this city one where our kids and grandkids want to stay and raise their families.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

I would like to know I made a positive change in Jacksonville, fixed major problems, kept my promises & made residents even more proud of their city.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

The key to this movement is "An Awakening. Building Together. A City of People With Their Heads Lifted. When we lift our heads and take note of our nation and each other, we can coalesce on and in such mutual respect and get anything done to which we put our minds, hearts and souls. May it be that a Keasler Administration is remembered for "how we came together"!
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

Man on the moon. Almost 4.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

I had just turned 6 when as i watched TV, remembering it like it was yesterday Walter Cronkite interrupted the programming to announce President Kennedy had been assassinated in Dallas. It still gives and warrants much contemplation, that powerful men in our Nation for the sake of power and wealth, would kill our President! I have with equal recollection and with equal impact on my person, the day i watched Black People marching from Selma to Montgomery, AL lead by MLK and a host of black men out front, marching for the basic right to live in and be treated with equality. I also remember the regular nightly event of watching local and national news, and "regularly scheduled programing" which followed, shortly into that "sitcom" we were interrupted to hear Reverend King had also been assassinated as he took in a view of Memphis from his hotel balcony. Still hard to grasp what men will do for a moment of temporal gain, in attempt to satiate a thirst for avarice and find absolution for a soul filled only with the darkness of the day.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/DonnaDeegan2.jpg

Donna Deegan (D)

If you’ve ever had one of Jacksonville’s famous camel riders, you probably had it at my Uncle Larry’s landmark restaurant. I worked at one of his Desert Rider sandwich shops as a summer job when I was 16.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

Does it count, if I didn't get paid? As a teen, in Honduras, I worked with Doctors Without Borders, as a translator & medication counter. It happened for a couple weeks, 3 to 4 times a year, I did it for 4 years. One of the most rewarding jobs I have had.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

I was 13 years old and went to work as a kitchen assistant in a local Italian Deli and Bakery; Deli by one brother, bakery by the other. From there I was hooked on cookin'! Chef Daddy was not just a figure of speech; my 19-year-old son, picked up the mantle and is an excellent chef and respecter of the culinary arts. I had that first job for 3 years and until my 16th birthday and "a Driver's License". I've worked every year of my life since 13, and paid taxes in every year I worked.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/DonnaDeegan2.jpg

Donna Deegan (D)

Love is Letting Go of Fear. After cancer, it changed the way I view life.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

The Bible if one must select one, for it is the one book that after 60 years reading it, the Word still unveils "nuggets of truth" regarding the mystery of God's Story of Mankind's Redemption.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

Superman.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

Well, I am not the best person to speak of fiction. But if one is to pick a fictional character with which to identify, it would be Rooster Cogburn or Don Quixote. Men who stand for something that cost a man to stand are the characters with whom i relate and respect.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

Although I am music lover and came up in a music family, sang in College Chorales and Church Choirs, I am not one to remember "top of the charts" song lyrics. If I do cling to a song, it is probably because an instrumental-symphonic production like a song from Game of Thrones, The Transformer Movies or another great movie soundtrack. I tend to lend an acute ear to music theory and composition, more so that the "popular lyrics of the day".
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

Speaking in front of large crowds.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

Understanding how little man can be and for such little fame or fortune. How our elected officials will become and do that which is the antithesis of a people in a free democracy...with liberty and justice for all.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/DonnaDeegan2.jpg

Donna Deegan (D)

I believe that as an elected official and political leader, you can focus on the issues your elected position deals with and support meaningful change across the community. Even if the mayor’s office does not have oversight over a specific issue, I can and still will use the megaphone attached to my mouth to draw attention to how and where change should occur. That is what I plan to do as Mayor. I will never shy away from standing up for what I believe in, and for our values.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

It means being in charge of getting things done, fixing things & improving the lives of Jacksonville residents.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

It means to me, what history labels as leaders; a person placed in a moment of time on a stage before his or her citizens usually in challenging, if not, perilous times, or times of great moral conflict, and without regard for popularity or political advancement, the leader speaks and acts as the times in which he or she stands, demand and dictate, even to the chagrin or displeasure of the leader. What must be done, is what I must do!
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

NA
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

The mayor is the CEO of the city and as with every CEO in our country, leadership and creative ideas and solutions, come from the top. For once in the last 40 years, if I am elected, we will have a mayor who looks at everything we do and "thinks of things never thought of before, and asks, 'why not'!"
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

The diversity of people.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

It's the place of my birth, my hometown where i grew up, its people are the best in the world, and we have the glorious opportunity to show America how We The People came together to create the picture of Modern Freeing Living.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/DonnaDeegan2.jpg

Donna Deegan (D)

Jacksonville is being held back by a City Hall that works for a handful of well-connected people, instead of everyone who lives here. It’s time to bring an end to the lack of transparency and accountability, corruption and self-dealing. My governing philosophy will be bringing ALL our voices into City Hall and building a city that works for everyone. We will prioritize the projects and policies that make Jacksonville a welcoming, inclusive, and innovative city where we all can thrive.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

Crime, affordable housing & attracting new companies, to increase better paying jobs.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

Changing NW Jacksonville (the Elevate Northwest program), eliminating waste, antiquation and obsolescence in government processes and ferreting out the rats and cronies in City Hall that war against the notion of change (the C.L.E.A.R. & T.A.G.L.I.N.E. Ordinances), creating the modern traffic system (the Drive Right Program), restructuring our Foster Care programs and how we tend to the poor (the Harvest City Program), and most importantly, ridding our DCPS of a divisive, woke culture and implementing a Lifting Heads Program for our public schools: LIFTING THE HEADS OF PRE-K AND EARLY ELEMENTARY STUDENTS TO KNOW ALL WERE CREATED WITH A PURPOSE; LIFTING THE HEADS OF OUR 5TH GRADERS AND MIDDLE SCHOOLERS TO KNOW EVERYONE IS CREATED FOR A PURPOSE and LIFTING THE HEADS OF OUR HIGH SCHOOLERS BY EQUIPPING OUR NATION'S FUTURE IN A PURPOSE!
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/DonnaDeegan2.jpg

Donna Deegan (D)

Home rule is one of the most important principles for governing. Local communities know how to govern themselves best. More and more, the state has been "preempting" local municipalities from passing ordinances that the state legislature disagrees with. I'm against it, and it goes against everything that the City has stood for since its founding. Our ability to have home rule has time and again worked to our benefit, often at the same time the State was making disastrous decisions on its own. Jacksonville is a big city with a long history and a proud tradition of taking care of ourselves. Those who have never lived here should not be making decisions for us without knowing our people or our special circumstances.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

Work together, as much as possible.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

The people in our cities and therefore our leaders, are the ones who live and know all too well, the issues facing America and therefore, we should be using our Congressional and Legislative delegations to present new and meaningful legislation at the Federal and State levels and which "restructure the way we do government in America." Leaders in D.C. live in a delusional bubble detached from the realities we face in our cities. Since we cannot escape those challenges, we must show D.C. and Tallahassee, what legislation we need to "chart change" in our cities which bring real change to We The People and by default, we change our Nation.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

Please see answer above.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

Toothbrush company hires 3 new salesmen, Tom, Bill and John. After 1 week a sales meeting is held. Tom sold 500 toothbrushes; Bill sold 300 but John sold none. 2nd week same ranking: Tom sells 1000 toothbrushes, Bill, 500, but John still hasn't sold a single toothbrush. So, the sales manager says you have 1 week to make sales, or we make a change in your employment. So, the 3rd weekly sales meeting is held. Tom sold 2000, Bill 750, and this time John sold 5000 toothbrushes! With stark amazement the sales manager says, "how in the world did you sell 5000 toothbrushes in 1 week?" Bill just said, I went and got a bunch of fresh dog crap and bags of potato chips and set up a table at the international concourse of the airport and waited for those hungry travelers to deplane. As they walked past my table, I asked them "You hungry, want some chips and dip"? They all said yes and when they tried the dip, they all went "yuck, that tastes like dog crap what is it"? And i simply replied "dog crap, want to buy a toothbrush?"! LOL
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

Working together.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

For the mayor to lead with novel ideas and programs which create a 21st century approach and model to a modern safety net. If the mayor loves the city and its people, he or she must love and respect as much as anything else, the honor of our 1st Responders, the compensation and benefits which they receive and the invaluable service they provide to us.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

I am running a grassroots campaign; I will represent & serve all residents, transparently & equally. Residents' involvement is essential & nothing should really happen without it, at least on projects that will affect their daily lives or anything involving city spending.

I will always have different ways to contact me or send advice & opinions. I will always be ready & willing to meet with residents, to hear their opinions, advice, likes/dislikes & any other kind of input. Other than Mayor, I have no political ambitions. I want to fix the problems in our home, Jacksonville. If I win & I am successful as the mayor, I may run for a second term, but that would be it. My job is working for all residents, including the kids, too young to vote.

That's why I am a NPA, grassroots, fiscal conservative, write-in candidate, for everybody.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

It speaks to the brokenness of government that we today find it necessary to ask about "We The People" of Jacksonville being involved in their government! In a Keasler Administration, every budget will include full funding of the True Commission (the "TC"). This Commission was created before the 21st century and yet Mayor Curry didn't fund it in his budgets. The TC is a community representative appointed board, with each Council District having one appointed member to the TC Board. The only and sole function of the TC is to "check" the Mayor's and City Counsil's budgets and propensity to spend and in areas which advance their political careers instead of the betterment of our community as a whole. A K4M Administration would push for the T.A.G.L.I.N.E. Ordinance (Transforming American Government by Local Initiatives and New Enterprise). Under this local legislation, in association with the State FLA.T.A.G. Act (Florida Transforming American Government Act), enacted as part of the Federal T.A.G. Act (Transforming American Government Act), we would create the "S.C.O.R.E. Board (Social Committee for Oversight, Regulation and Enforcement) which would have jurisdiction over a host of "Social Platforms & Services". the Board would be comprised of local residents who would be nominated by the mayor in conjunction with each respective District Councilperson and affirmed by the majority vote of the Council. If a nominee is not
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

Storm & flooding resilience & readiness. Our storm protection is 50 to 100 years old. We need to prepare for the next 100 years. FEMA pre-disaster grants are available, keeping the cost to residents low.

I will work with DOT to resolve traffic congestion in our city, so everybody can spend less time in their cars. Install sewer pipe throughout Duval, to eliminate septic tanks. New streets, sidewalks, streetlights, playgrounds, parks & sports grounds in all areas of Jacksonville.

I consider public schools infrastructure, so they will all be brought up to the highest standards.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

Our city's, as with our nation's, challenges in and with its infrastructure issues, are twofold: (1) the structural integrity of our roads, bridges and stormwater systems are clearly in need of modernization and rehabilitation; and (2) how we utilize existing roadways, thoroughfares and traffic corridors. With the "funds found" under the C.L.E.A.R. Ordinance and the savings made, waste and antiquation eliminated, and fraud and cronyism ferreted out, we should find at least 100MM in savings that will be used in part to start the long-term plan to "Elevate Northwest" to a state of traffic, roadways and stormwater management which the rest of our citizens enjoy. Under the Drive Right Plan, rush hour traffic will be transformed from a taxing, if not nerve-wracking event which our "commuters" experience twice a day, into an experience of cadence traffic flow and the substantial mitigation if not, elimination, of this "go-stop-go-stop" world of driving around our city. The answer to our traffic problems IS NOT MORE CONCRETE AND ASPHALT! The answer lies in utilizing our existing infrastructure in a manner driven by modern technology and with fuel and time savings realized by "Scheduled Commute Logistics" the "SCL") which every user of the "automom.net" and "autodad.net" Drive Right Apps. They are the key to planning traffic with AI logistics created for each driver and based up their daily commute and work schedule. We all use Google Maps and Waze! Why not use a "Mobile Onboard Management" or a "Driver Assisted Device" app which not only knows the accident and congestion sites, but also is programmed to "each daily commute" of every driver in Jacksonville, so that once started the Drive Right Apps, literally "direct traffic" by "tracking the dot" of every car, on every road and which guides the driver to a day of work or the ride home after.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

I would get illegal & stolen guns off the streets. Most crime & hit & runs happens at night, so fill the city with streetlights, literally shed light on the problem. It would make our police safe too. Turnabouts, speed bumps & rumble strips will slow down traffic, in certain areas, to make drive-bys high risk, for the criminal.

Better to prevent crime, than to react after the fact.

All city council does is pass laws, that have done nothing to reduce crime.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

No City is a community of freedom if crime and violence are free to roam. I believe firmly the future of our “safety net” will be found and only so, by Jacksonville leading our state and the nation in creating the 21st Sentry-A MODERN MODEL FOR PUBLIC SECURITY. In association with Jacksonville University’s new law school, the UF Health System, the Fire Academy of the South, the Florida Law Enforcement Academy and Institute of Police Technology and Management, Jacksonville would lead the way in creating the educational curriculum and academic standards for the Nation's 1st ever, “College of Sentinel Science, Technology, Operations and Procedures” (S.T.O.P.) and a four-year program for a Bachelor of Science in Public Safety. Every student would take one semester each of Law Enforcement, Mental Health Science, Emergency Medical Rescue and Fire Safety, Science and Technology. With the assistance of modern technology and “Sentry Patrols” manned by two 21st Sentry Officers, every “incident” affronting public safety will be answered by 21st Sentries who have broad training across four disciplines and each a separate specialty training (2 years) in either Police, Fire, EMR (Emergency Medical Rescue) or EMH (Emergency Mental Health). Nothing is more salient to “calming the tempests of society” than distilling the “fire” as soon as possible. With advanced and greatly enhanced training, this 21st Sentry model will provide a better future for our “first responders”, with better pay and better appreciation by the community. It will also reduce the per capita cost we incur to fund our safety net and will produce a city absent of violence in its streets, increased compensation for our first responders, witnessing more favorable and non-violent outcomes, and mostly, the honor of and for our first responders, restored. This is a broad step into the future, but it’s really just taking a broad look at “our cities today” and taking advantage of a broad array of existing 21st century technologies and creating a city safety net which provides categorically for our city, “a whole new bandwidth of coverage and premiums go down”! This initiative as with all a Keasler Administration will undertake, will be driven and guided “categorically” by, “how do we do it better, for less tax dollars and make it sustainable”. The latter element of all Frank will do for our City as Mayor contemplates more than environmental sustainability. Every vision must work well into the future 50 years from now, every advancement must run congruent with those in city services and the running of their department, division or governmental office. Transforming our city into the modern model of community cannot and will not reflect “poor planning, design and implementation”. We will not turn the promises of operational transformation and the resulting migration to new platforms, into trainwrecks and migraines! Mayor Keasler will push for a 2024 amendment to our City Charter which replaces our current Sherrif with an elected Director of Public Safety. Such newly created elected office would be filled by our city’s current Sherrif for the balance of said Sheriff’s term and in 2027 we would elect our first Director of Public Safety. Such “chief safety officer” would recommend to the City Council and the Mayor, such elected Director’s selection to head each of the four divisions (Fire, Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical Rescue and Emergency Mental Health) of the “21st Sentry” safety net over our city. The City Council-with the mayor having a vote to break any tie-would by the vote of its members, approve or not, such recommended individuals to lead said four divisions of the 21st Sentry model. Any position not approved would be subject to the Director recommending a new candidate, as well as the Mayor and the Council each having the right to recommend said new candidate. When approved said individuals will be “21st Sentry, Fire Safety, Commander Bill Wilson,”, or 21st Sentry, EMR (Emergency Medical Rescue) Commander Larry Smith, or EMH, Commander Kathy Jones, or Law Enforcement, Commander Sandra Brown.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

We do not need to uproot existing zoning and land use planning to meet the situational need for affordable housing. It wasn't until people started flocking to our state and city to escape the despotism of 'Blue States", that we faced a housing issue. Our plan is called M.A.R.s - Making Affordable Residences - which is a JV concept that the city would use to partner with developers to create a "MARs Community" contiguous or proximate to such new development. Under the MARs plan, unless a person is over 55 or disabled, they can only reside in a MARs -publicly supported - Community for 5 years. If we are to address an issue relating to the poor and needy, never again and never on my watch, will we create something that leads to - as with our current Entitlement State - that produces generational poverty and inability of future generations to "make it on planet Earth" without public assistance.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

Downtown is the perfect example of piling it on & improving nothing. Downtown is not healthy. I consider a healthy downtown a place you want to go to, for no real reason, a pleasant place to be. Residents barely want to go downtown to take care things they have to. It's just packed too tight. I think we should wait for the planned projects to be built & then go from there. Adding anything else right now, without actually seeing how the other projects are going to affect the feel of the area & the traffic flow, would be a mistake.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

Downtown is not dead but it's not thriving. We need to draw development to downtown and north on Main Street and do so by creating a master plan for incentivizing capital and development to be deployed in revitalizing our downtown and that which exist "north of town".
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

Lacking. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over & over again & expecting a different outcome. We lay all the problems on our police, who are not trained to deal with many situations they encounter. We expect them to be able to fix every problem, but we don't pay them for that.

We need a special unit, to send to situations, when people are having mental problems. We need to use nonlethal weapons whenever possible. I would also like to test drones as tracking vehicles, to prevent high-speed chases & keep our police safer.

Budget allowing, I would like cameras at every intersection, only for tracking known criminals.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

Please see my answer to Crime and Public Safety
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

Our police do not want citizen oversight, so I would move the Internal Affairs offices out of the Police Headquarter, to maintain anonymity & facilitate a police officer's reporting of a bad officer or bad actions, without worry of intimidation.

If someone has not committed a violent crime & they are running, I would like our police to be able to just stand down & catch them next time. A pursuit ramps up adrenaline & can cause mistakes to happen. I would get officers more involved, in the neighborhoods they serve, to create comradery & trust.

I would never defund the police; I would only add & improve them.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

Please see answer to Crime and Safety
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

I would supply all valid information & recommendations, from trusted sources. I would not force people to do anything.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

What we did is display "in spades", the arrogance and unbridled hubris of mankind thinking we could control "life on this planet"! We now know the last three years were a lie, the vaccines made billionaires out of Big Pharma and Medical executives and now the data confirms, all we did is kill our economy, kill small business, kill work ethic and kill any trust we have in the Federal Government and the Big Pharma & Medical Industrial Complex. Today because of all of the fraud and manipulation, "healthcare" is the only word in the dictionary that is an oxymoron in and of itself. There is nothing in medicine today that is "all about the patient's health, and the only thing such industrial magnates "care" about is money. 50 years ago, medicine in America was about the healing arts. Today it's about the art of deception that paints a picture of care to cover the only care they have...money!
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

Given 50 years of "puppets picked by the party" running our city, our next mayor will face something similar to an Emergency Room "triage" situation where he or she will have to quickly determine "who's coding" and who's stable"? Once that has been determined, the greatest need will dictate the greatest attention and focus.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

We need to increase green spaces & encourage residents to grow trees.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

Based on what was presented last fall at the annual UNF Environmental Symposium, our greatest environmental challenge is "all of the septic tanks" we still have in our county and the vast networks of tidal tributaries, into which these tanks leach high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, and into those same waterways, former manufacturing and industrial activity in our "brown fields" now leach heavy metals such as arsenic, lead and mercury.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

No.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

Yes! Under a new Freedom Charter for our city, never again can - absent a governor's order - our mayor shut down a city without City Council approval and only for an initial 10-day period. Any extension of such "lockdown" would require a 75% vote of the City Council to extend it for another 10 days. After that it takes 13 of the 14 council persons to extend the order and absent State legislation or the Governor's order, no lockdown can last for more than 30 days. In an effort for government to control We The People, we've possibly sterilized a generation, have killed -according to the most recent data - over 210,000 people with the vax, and now we know "the crap doesn't even work" as well as touted and fails miserably in comparison to natural immunity.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

City records are public records. Unless something is being investigated, all city records should be accessible by residents.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

All city records belong to We The People, so any record solicited will be provided save it being highly confidential to the current activities of the city, but that exception would need to be explained in detail and only good for 30 days unless renewed by the city for up to a total of 90 days. There is nothing we do in the COJ that needs "confidential protection" for more than 90 days.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

Answered above.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/FrankKeasler.jpg

Frank Keasler (R)

Please review the response given to
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/DonnaDeegan2.jpg

Donna Deegan (D)

Pastor John Allen Newman

Elder Lee Harris Pastor R.L. Gundy Lt. Col. (Ret) USAF Alton Yates Former Neptune Beach Mayor Harriet Pruette Former Atlantic Beach Mayor Ellen Glasser Former Jacksonville City Councilmember Garrett Dennis North Florida Letter Carriers, Branch 53 Jacksonville NOW PAC EMILY’s List Ruth’s List Florida Won’t Back Down

Former Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/BrianGriffin.jpg

Brian Griffin (Independent)

Waiting on responses from a bunch of organizations. A couple are waiting until after the primaries.


Campaign advertisements

This section includes a selection of up to three campaign advertisements per candidate released in this race, as well as links to candidates' YouTube, Vimeo, and/or Facebook video pages. If you are aware of other links that should be included, please email us.

Democratic Party Donna Deegan

February 6, 2023

View more ads here:


Democratic Party Audrey Gibson

Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for Gibson while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.

Republican Party LeAnna Cumber

January 12, 2023
January 3, 2023
March 22, 2022

View more ads here:

Republican Party Daniel Davis

Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for Davis while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.

Republican Party Al Ferraro

Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for Ferraro while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.


Endorsements

See also: Ballotpedia: Our approach to covering endorsements

Click the links below to see official endorsement lists published on candidate campaign websites for any candidates that make that information available. If you are aware of a website that should be included, please email us.

Election competitiveness

Polls

See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls

We provide results for polls that are included in polling aggregation from FiveThirtyEight and RealClearPolitics, when available. No polls were available for this election. To notify us of polls published in this election, please email us.

Election spending

Campaign finance

Candidates in this election submitted campaign finance reports to the Duval County Supervisor of Elections. Click here to access those reports.

Mayoral partisanship

Jacksonville has a Democratic mayor. As of October 2025, 66 mayors in the largest 100 cities by population are affiliated with the Democratic Party, 23 are affiliated with the Republican Party, one is affiliated with the Libertarian Party, three are independents, five identify as nonpartisan or unaffiliated, and two mayors' affiliations are unknown. Click here for a list of the 100 largest cities' mayors and their partisan affiliations.

Mayoral elections are officially nonpartisan in most of the nation's largest cities. However, many officeholders are affiliated with political parties. Ballotpedia uses one or more of the following sources to identify each officeholder's partisan affiliation: (1) direct communication from the officeholder, (2) current or previous candidacy for partisan office, or (3) identification of partisan affiliation by multiple media outlets.

About the city

See also: Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville is a city in Duval County, Florida. As of 2020, its population was 949,611.

City government

See also: Mayor-council government

The city of Jacksonville utilizes a strong mayor and city council system. In this form of municipal government, the city council serves as the city's primary legislative body while the mayor serves as the city's chief executive.[8]

Demographics

The following table displays demographic data provided by the United States Census Bureau.

Demographic Data for Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville Florida
Population 949,611 21,538,187
Land area (sq mi) 747 53,654
Race and ethnicity**
White 51.2% 59.9%
Black/African American 30.1% 15.3%
Asian 4.9% 2.9%
Native American 0.2% 0.3%
Pacific Islander 0.2% 0.1%
Other (single race) 3.9% 5.6%
Multiple 9.6% 16%
Hispanic/Latino 12% 26.7%
Education
High school graduation rate 90.8% 89.6%
College graduation rate 31.8% 33.2%
Income
Median household income $66,981 $71,711
Persons below poverty level 15% 12.6%
Source: population provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "Decennial Census" (2020). Other figures provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2018-2023).
**Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.


Election context

Election history

2019

General election

General election for Mayor of Jacksonville

The following candidates ran in the general election for Mayor of Jacksonville on March 19, 2019.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Lenny Curry
Lenny Curry (R)
 
57.6
 
84,604
Image of Anna Brosche
Anna Brosche (R)
 
24.1
 
35,425
Image of Omega Allen
Omega Allen (Independent) Candidate Connection
 
10.5
 
15,465
Image of Jimmy Hill
Jimmy Hill (R) Candidate Connection
 
7.5
 
11,063
Image of Brian Griffin
Brian Griffin (Independent) (Write-in)
 
0.0
 
0
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Johnny Sparks (Independent) (Write-in)
 
0.0
 
0
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.2
 
260

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 146,817
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2015

Mayor of Jacksonville, General Election, 2015
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngLenny Curry 51.3% 103,626
     Democratic Alvin Brown Incumbent 48.7% 98,353
Total Votes 201,979
Source: Duval County Supervisor of Elections, "Official general election results," accessed May 29, 2015

2011

Mayor of Jacksonville, General Election, 2011
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngAlvin Brown 50.4% 97,307
     Republican Mike Hogan 49.6% 95,645
Total Votes 192,952
Source: Duval County Board of Elections - 2011 General Election Results

What was at stake?

Report a story for this election

Ballotpedia researches issues in local elections across the United States, but information availability is a challenge for us in many areas. Please contact us about the issues that impact your local election. Note that not all submissions may meet Ballotpedia's coverage requirements for inclusion.

Candidate survey

Candidate Connection Logo - stacked.png

Ballotpedia invites candidates to participate in its annual survey.
Click here to fill out the survey.

See also

Jacksonville, Florida Florida Municipal government Other local coverage
Seal of Jacksonville, Florida.png
Seal of Florida.png
Municipal Government Final.png
Local Politics Image.jpg

External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Florida Times-Union, "Nate Monroe: In quest for mayor, challengers hope to derail coronation for establishment scion," January 20, 2023
  2. ↑ LinkedIn, "Donna Deegan," accessed January 30, 2023
  3. ↑ Audrey Gibson's campaign website, "About Audrey," accessed January 30, 2023
  4. ↑ LinkedIn, "LeAnna Gutierrez Cumber," accessed January 30, 2023
  5. ↑ Daniel Davis' campaign website, "Home," accessed January 30, 2023
  6. ↑ LinkedIn, "Al Ferraro," accessed January 30, 2023
  7. ↑ In most of the nation's largest cities, mayoral elections are officially nonpartisan, though many officeholders and candidates are affiliated with political parties. Ballotpedia uses one or more of the following sources to identify each officeholder's partisan affiliation: (1) direct communication from the officeholder, (2) current or previous candidacy for partisan office, or (3) identification of partisan affiliation by multiple media outlets.
  8. ↑ City of Jacksonville, "Government," accessed October 29, 2014
v • e
2023 Municipal Elections
Local Elections
Ballotpedia Coverage
Flag of Florida
v • e
State of Florida
Tallahassee (capital)
Elections

What's on my ballot? | Elections in 2025 | How to vote | How to run for office | Ballot measures

Government

Who represents me? | U.S. President | U.S. Congress | Federal courts | State executives | State legislature | State and local courts | Counties | Cities | School districts | Public policy

Retrieved from "https://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php?title=Mayoral_election_in_Jacksonville,_Florida_(March_21,_2023,_general_election)&oldid=9232736"