Derzypolski Won NEBA Straw Poll in Tallahassee
Candidates for City Commission Seat 3 discussed local growth plans during a forum at the Capital City Country Club.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Elections

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Tom Derzypolski and P.J. Perez participated in a Network of Entrepreneurs and Business Advocates candidate forum on September 22, 2026. The event concluded with a straw poll among organization members.
Why it matters
The forum served as a key venue for the two candidates to present their visions for local growth and development to the Tallahassee business community. It offered voters insight into candidate priorities ahead of the upcoming general election.
Tom Derzypolski secured 95 percent of the straw poll vote compared to 5 percent for P.J. Perez. These candidates previously competed in the August primary, where Perez garnered 29 percent of the vote to Derzypolski’s 26 percent.
The players
Tom Derzypolski
He is a candidate for Tallahassee City Commission Seat 3 who recently secured a straw poll victory.
P.J. Perez
He is a candidate for Tallahassee City Commission Seat 3 running in the upcoming November general election.
Network of Entrepreneurs and Business Advocates
This is a local business organization that hosted a candidate forum and conducted a member straw poll.
The details
Candidates for Tallahassee City Commission Seat 3 made their pitches during a lunch buffet held at the Capital City Country Club. The event focused on future plans for development in the local area.
Timeline
August 2026: Primary election for Tallahassee City Commission Seat 3.
September 22, 2026: NEBA candidate forum held at Capital City Country Club.
November 3, 2026: General election for Tallahassee City Commission Seat 3.
Political Context
This straw poll result follows the patterns established by the August 2026 Tallahassee City Commission primary election, highlighting shifts in voter support. The current event serves as a new data point regarding candidate momentum leading into the final contest.
The forum impacts residents by providing a direct comparison of the candidates' plans for local growth and development. Voters can use these policy discussions to weigh their options before the November 3 general election.
The takeaway
The straw poll highlights a significant interest from local business members in the upcoming City Commission race. Residents should review the candidates' specific development proposals to understand how their platforms may affect the city's future trajectory.
What happens next
Tom Derzypolski and P.J. Perez are scheduled to compete in the Tallahassee City Commission Seat 3 general election on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the local race, visit Tallahassee Elections.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tallahassee Democrat.
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