Matlow and Ausley to Compete in Tallahassee Runoff
Tallahassee voters will head to the polls on November 3 to decide the city's next mayor.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Will a progressive candidate win the Tallahassee mayoral runoff election on November 3?
Jeremy Matlow and Loranne Ausley are set to face off in the Tallahassee mayoral runoff election on November 3. The two candidates advanced to this final round after leading the field in the August primary.
Why it matters
The outcome will determine the city's future leadership following Mayor John Dailey's decision to not seek re-election. Voters will choose between the two candidates who secured the highest support among the primary electorate.
Jeremy Matlow and Loranne Ausley reached the runoff with 36% and 34% of the primary vote, respectively. Through October 2, Ausley reported $535,000 in contributions while Matlow reported $306,000.
The players
Jeremy Matlow
He is a candidate for Tallahassee mayor who received 36% of the vote in the August primary.
Loranne Ausley
She is a mayoral candidate who secured 34% of the primary vote and received an endorsement from Daryl Parks.
Daryl Parks
He is a former mayoral primary candidate who finished in third place with 25% of the vote.
John Dailey
He is the current mayor of Tallahassee who announced in August 2025 that he would not seek re-election.
The details
Candidates advanced based on primary results, with Daryl Parks providing an endorsement for Loranne Ausley after his third-place finish. Digital campaign signs for Ausley were placed on land owned by RPJ Properties on October 19 as early voting began.
Timeline
August 2026 primary election voting occurred.
September 5, 2026 marked the beginning of a surge in campaign donations for Loranne Ausley.
October 2, 2026 was the deadline for reported campaign contributions.
October 19, 2026 was the first day of early voting and sign appearance.
November 3, 2026 is the scheduled date for the runoff election.
Political Context
This race follows the requirements set by the Tallahassee municipal charter's runoff election provisions. These mandates ensure a final contest between the top candidates when no individual secures an absolute majority in the initial primary round.
Residents will head to the polls on November 3 to cast their votes for the next mayor. This election will determine which candidate sets the city's policy agenda and administrative priorities for the coming term.
The takeaway
Voters should be aware that the campaign has entered its final phase ahead of the November 3 runoff. Staying informed on candidate platforms is the best way for residents to prepare for the final selection of city leadership.
What happens next
The runoff election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, when the official winner of the mayoral seat will be determined.
Further reading
For more on local races, visit the Elections page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..
Live Poll
Will a progressive candidate win the Tallahassee mayoral runoff election on November 3?
