Janelle Irwin Taylor
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister endorsed Charlie Miranda for re-election in his citywide District 2 seat.
“Charlie Miranda is an exceptional public servant. He makes public safety a priority and is a problem solver,” Chronister said. “Councilman Miranda is a reliable voice for our neighborhoods and a proactive advocate for Tampa.”
Chronister just won his own election in 2018 after serving nearly 28 years within the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
“Charlie Miranda is a partner that our community and law enforcement can count on. He has dedicated his life to public service, and we need to keep his voice on our City Council,” Chronister added.
Chronister, a Republican, is working to embrace criminal justice reform and embrace Tampa’s diverse community. He said Miranda is the best candidate in that district to embrace those ideals.
Miranda was first elected to City Council in 1974 and is the city’s longest-serving elected official. While City Council seats are subject to term limits, like Hillsborough County Commission, officials can switch between single-member and citywide districts in order to skirt the system.
Miranda is running against John Godwin and Joe Robinson and is considered the frontrunner in the race. He’s raised well more than double Godwin and triple Robinson despite deciding to run for re-election late.
Miranda’s decision lead to Nicholas Glover, who had been running for District 2, to switch races. Miranda’s lengthy service gives him a huge advantage in both name recognition and political capitol.
Miranda had been rumored to challenge Guido Maniscalco in the single-member District 6, but spared Maniscalco what would have been a difficult incumbent on incumbent battle.
Miranda has also nabbed endorsements from the Tampa Bay Times and the Tampa Police Benevolent Association.
Democratic progressives in Tampa are backing Godwin.
All seven City Council seats are up for election this year including four that are open seats. Miranda, Maniscalco and Luis Viera are the only incumbents seeking re-election. Election Day is March 5.
