Medical Group PAC Endorses Buckhorn for Tampa Mayor

Hillsborough County Medical Association's political committee backs the former two-term mayor in the next city election.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Elections

Wide view of the Tampa downtown skyline across a calm bay under bright daylight, with cream municipal buildings and palm fronds in the foreground. — Hillsborough County Medical Association's political committee HILLPAC endorsed former two-term Tampa mayor Bob Buckhorn in the city's upcoming mayoral election, replacing the term-limited Jane Castor. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you think Tampa is headed in the right direction?

The Hillsborough County Medical Association's political committee, HILLPAC, has endorsed Bob Buckhorn in the Tampa mayoral race. Buckhorn previously served two terms as mayor, and the election is scheduled for next year to replace the term-limited Jane Castor.

Why it matters

The endorsement adds a physician-focused political group to Buckhorn's support base as Tampa prepares to select a new mayor. HILLPAC says it backs candidates aligned with protecting physicians, patients and public health.

Campaign finance figures and canvassing totals are self-reported by the Buckhorn campaign and are not independently verified in the source. Buckhorn has knocked on 2,000 doors so far, a fraction of the roughly 25,000 he canvassed before winning in 2011, and the broader race remains early.

The players

Bob Buckhorn

Former two-term mayor of Tampa seeking to return to the office in the upcoming election.

Hillsborough County Medical Association PAC (HILLPAC)

The political committee of the Hillsborough County Medical Association, which backs candidates aligned with protecting physicians, patients and public health.

Dr. Michael Cromer

President of HILLPAC who announced the group's endorsement of Buckhorn.

Jane Castor

Current Tampa mayor who is term-limited and cannot seek reelection in the upcoming race.

The details

HILLPAC President Dr. Michael Cromer announced the endorsement, which follows an earlier endorsement of Buckhorn by the Tampa Police Benevolent Association. Buckhorn's public safety agenda includes support for law enforcement recruitment and retention. Buckhorn's wife is an obstetrician, gynecologist and urogynecologist.

Late September: Buckhorn reported having knocked on 2,000 doors.
2027: Tampa mayoral election to replace the term-limited Castor.

Political Context

Buckhorn's 2,000 doors knocked as of late September is a far smaller early canvass than the roughly 25,000 he worked before winning in 2011. Critics of any candidate's early endorsements may argue that the race is still open, and the source does not identify specific opposing arguments.

For Tampa voters, the 2027 mayoral election will determine who leads city government after Castor's term ends. Voters following the race can track candidate fundraising and endorsements as the field develops.

The takeaway

Endorsements from professional groups like HILLPAC signal which constituencies are organizing early in Tampa's mayoral race. Readers can watch future campaign finance reports to see whether these backings translate into sustained support.