Tampa Bay's Political Power Rises: New CFO and 2026 Gubernatorial Race!

Tampa, Florida, USA - Tampa Bay is making headlines again, this time with a shakeup in state politics. Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed State Senator Blaise Ingoglia as Florida’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This move is a testament to Tampa Bay’s increasing importance in Florida’s political landscape, as highlighted by a recent article from Fox 13 News.

Ingoglia, enthusiastic about his new role, emphasized how the region’s concentration of political talent serves to benefit the community. It’s hard to ignore the fact that Florida’s political power dynamic has shifted quite a bit over the years, moving away from traditional strongholds like Miami. With a population growth of over 40% since 2000, Tampa Bay is carving out its niche in what was once a historically purple state.

Growing Influence and Historical Context

Political consultant Anthony Pedicini noted that voters in Hillsborough County have supported the presidential candidates who eventually took office in 13 of the last 15 elections. It’s a trend that showcases the county’s diverse demographics, a reflection of the national landscape. The growing influence of Tampa Bay will continue to attract attention, especially with former Representative David Jolly gearing up to enter the 2026 gubernatorial race.

State Representative Fentrice Driskell remarked on the area’s rapid growth and diversity as critical factors contributing to its political relevance. Moreover, budget chairs from Clearwater and Plant City are collaborating effectively to secure funding for the community, underscoring the strategic importance of local political leadership.

Meanwhile, DeSantis is considering another key player for a top position: Tampa State Senator Jay Collins could find himself stepping into the role of lieutenant governor. This potential appointment signifies further recognition of the Tampa Bay area’s increasing prominence.

Record Voter Turnout

In the realm of voter engagement, the results from the recent 2024 general election were impressive. Florida saw near-record voter turnout, with an astounding 79% of registered voters heading to the polls. This marks an increase from the 77% turnout in 2020, though it still trails behind the 1992 record of 83%, as detailed by WUSF.

Most counties in the greater Tampa Bay region experienced a rise in voter turnout from 2020 to 2024, with the notable exceptions being Hardee and DeSoto counties. Hardee County came in with the lowest turnout in the state at just 62%, while DeSoto wasn’t far behind, with turnout dipping by 15% from the last election.

The greater Tampa Bay region hosts 1.2 million registered voters from the Florida Democratic Party, with 75% casting ballots. Republican turnout was even higher, at 85%, boasting over a million participants. This dynamic showcases the political diversity within the region, with Hardee and Highlands counties marking themselves as the reddest, while Pinellas and Hillsborough lead in Democratic registrations.

Interestingly, non-party affiliated voters also constitute a significant portion of the electorate, accounting for 23% to 28% in the greater Tampa Bay region, notably with Hillsborough County being the highest at 28%. As election trends evolve, it will be crucial to track these shifts in voter affiliation and turnout.

In a political climate as fast-moving as Florida’s, one can’t help but wonder how the upcoming years will shape the narrative. The changing demographics, coupled with a focus on local leadership, promise an exciting landscape in Tampa Bay’s future political scene.