News4jax.com
State Sen. Audrey Gibson joined the growing list of candidates running to be Jacksonville’s next mayor, filing June 7 at the Duval County Supervisor of Elections office.
Gibson, a Democrat, represents District 6 that includes Downtown Jacksonville. Her term is up this year.
The mayoral election is in 2023. Mayor Lenny Curry is term-limited.
Gibson told Jacksonville Daily Record news partner News4Jax that she knows Jacksonville well and plans to attract more jobs. She said she also will work on partnerships that help taxpayers and provide policy that is data-driven to make real changes in the community.
During her opening candidate speech, Gibson talked about affordable housing, manufacturing, and her experience in public office. Gibson said she believes there is a way to work together as a city to be successful.
“As we stay laser-focused on Jacksonville issues alone, drown out the noise that seeks to divide and recognize our collective strength, we can lean in together on a tide that lifts all of us,” Gibson said.
Gibson, 66, also served in the Florida House from 2002 to 2010.
Gibson is the second Democrat to enter the race, following former First Coast News journalist Donna Deegan.
Republicans include City Council members LeAnna Cumber and Al Ferraro along with Frank Keasler Jr.
Independent candidates are Omega Allen and Darcy Richardson.
JAX Chamber President and CEO Daniel Davis, a Republican, also is expected to run.