An Urban Core opportunity is created for a Democrat as an incumbent chases a citywide post.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan’s strongest ally on the heavily Republican City Council is running citywide in 2027, opening up the District 7 seat drawn for a Democratic winner.
Jimmy Peluso has filed to run for the at-large Group 4 seat currently held by maverick Republican Matt Carlucci, joining a field of four first-time candidates.
“I believe in my last 4 years on Council I’ve demonstrated that willingness to work with everyone to accomplish important goals for our city, while also fighting for our oldest neighborhoods and the residents who haven’t seen a Councilmember in years,” Peluso told Florida Politics.
“No one will ever be able to take up the mantle of Matt Carlucci, and his legacy of statesmanship or standing up when it was needed most. However, potholes and roads don’t care what political party you are, and residents are sick of what they are seeing from leadership in City Council. The bickering, gamesmanship and ignoring the needs of our residents hold back the great potential of this City. So I have decided to step out of my District 7 seat so we can make sure the Carlucci and (Tommy Hazouri Sr.) legacies have someone who will view this city as they did: a place for everyone,” Peluso added.
Peluso, a Navy veteran and lobbyist for the VyStar Credit Union, ran in the former District 14 in 2019, finishing in third place and missing the runoff. Four years later, he found a remapped District 7 to be more hospitable territory, taking advantage of a Democratic registration edge to cruise to victory.
With Carlucci term-limited, Peluso envisions himself as being able to bridge between political wings. He has met challenges during the presidency of Republican Kevin Carrico, who appointed him to just one committee last year; the two have feuded since.
Expect Duval County Republicans to concentrate resources on the Group 4 race, especially given the chance the seat could be flipped in 2027, particularly if no serious opposition emerges for Deegan.