Voting Underway for Tampa District 5 Special Election

Tampa's District 5 City Council seat is up for a special election following the sudden passing of Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson in June. Fifteen candidates, including familiar names like Pastor Tom Scott, are vying for the position, which covers diverse neighborhoods such as downtown, Ybor City, and east Tampa. The district faces pressing challenges including affordable housing, economic development, and support for marginalized communities, with candidates highlighting the need for attainable housing and business support. Voters must decide on Tuesday, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and if no candidate secures over 50% of the vote, a runoff will be held in late October. The winner will serve the remainder of Henderson’s term through 2027, with many emphasizing the importance of continuing her community-focused initiatives. Community leaders stress the necessity for the incoming council member to actively fight for the district’s funding and development needs.