Wyman Duggan Filed to Run for Jacksonville Mayor
State Representative Wyman Duggan has officially launched his campaign to unseat incumbent Mayor Donna Deegan.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in City Hall
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State Representative Wyman Duggan filed candidacy papers to run for Mayor of Jacksonville. Duggan, who serves as House Speaker Pro Tempore, joins a crowded field of 11 other challengers aiming to unseat incumbent Mayor Donna Deegan.
Why it matters
Duggan cites dissatisfaction with current City Hall services and disputes between the administration and city authorities as primary reasons for his candidacy. His entry sets the stage for a high-stakes campaign leading into the 2027 election cycle.
Donna Deegan currently has nearly $2.4 million in campaign accounts compared to $1.35 million in Duggan's committee. A recent survey shows Deegan with 53% support against Duggan, who has brought $300 million in state appropriations to the city.
The players
Wyman Duggan
He is a four-term state legislator and the House Speaker Pro Tempore who is now running for Mayor of Jacksonville.
Donna Deegan
She is the incumbent Mayor of Jacksonville who is currently seeking reelection against a field of 12 total candidates.
The details
Duggan, a four-term legislator and lawyer at Rogers Towers, filed his paperwork at the Duval County Supervisor of Elections. While the Duval Democrats have criticized Duggan for supporting legislation that shifts local authority to Tallahassee, he argues that the current mayoral administration has failed to provide effective services for local residents.
Timeline
March 2027 will see the first election for Jacksonville Mayor.
May 2027 is the potential date for a runoff election.
Political Context
Duggan's campaign launch underscores a growing debate over the balance of power between local city halls and the state government. The Duval Democrats have actively opposed this trend, framing Duggan's legislative record as an encroachment on local control.
Voters will see a crowded ballot in March with 12 total candidates currently competing for the mayoral seat. This primary election will determine if Mayor Deegan can secure a majority to avoid a secondary runoff election in May.
The takeaway
With 11 other candidates in the race, the path to a Mayoral victory in Jacksonville remains complex. Residents should monitor upcoming campaign debates to see how candidates address the ongoing tension between city-level services and state-level policy influence.
Further reading
For more background on municipal leadership, visit City Hall.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..
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