Peter Schorsch
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has officially endorsed former Sen. Janet Cruz in her bid for City Council, District 3.
“Janet Cruz is a dedicated public servant who has consistently been a proven consensus builder and put the people of Tampa first by bringing them together in finding solutions,” Castor said. “She has been a steadfast advocate for our community and has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for all residents. Janet’s leadership, experience and commitment make her the ideal choice for City Council District 3.”
The endorsement comes as little surprise — Cruz’s daughter, lobbyist Ana Cruz, is Castor’s longtime partner.
Further, incumbent City Council member Lynn Hurtak has been a foe of Castor’s since her appointment last year following the resignation of John Dingfelder. Hurtak is one of three City Council members who often vote against Castor’s agenda or for measures reducing her executive authority.
Still, the endorsement is a big get in Tampa politics.
“I am honored to have Mayor Castor’s support,” Cruz said. “I share her vision of a stronger, more vibrant Tampa and I am committed to working tirelessly to make that vision a reality. I will work collaboratively with the Mayor and my fellow City Council members to address the pressing issues facing our city and to ensure that every resident has a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.”
In addition to Hurtak, Cruz faces three other candidates — K.J. Allen, George Feshev, and Jose Vasquez — though only Hurtak has raised significant funds, at just shy of $46,000.
Campaign finance reports show Cruz has raised more than $65,000 as of Feb. 3, but her campaign told Florida Politics Cruz it has raised $100,000 for the race so far, including funds for her political committee, Building the Bay.
Tampa’s municipal election is March 7. If no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote a runoff will be held April 25.
If elected, Cruz would take office May 1.
2 comments
Diego Garcia
February 13, 2023 at 11:25 am
Well of course Mayor Castor endorses Janet Cruz…as the mayor is sleeping with her daughter.
Stephanie Poynor
February 14, 2023 at 4:21 pm
Well DUH? Cruz raised most of her money from OUTSIDE the City of Tampa. Of her 76 in the first two monthss contributions only 42% were from people IN the City of Tampa. She might have developers and pacs supporting her… and her daughter’s live in lover…but not the citizens of Tampa.
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