A.G. Gancarski
The President of the Jacksonville City Council is ready to make his next political move.
Westside Republican Randy White is launching a campaign for Duval County Tax Collector. And appropriately enough, he announced the run on Tax Day.
“Public safety has always been my calling — and so has public service,” White said.
“As Fire Chief, I managed emergency operations on a citywide scale. As Council President, I’ve worked to deliver results and transparency for Jacksonville families. I’m running for Tax Collector because I can use my experience to bring the same professionalism, efficiency, and trust to the office that I’ve shown in my more than four decades of experience.”
Incumbent Jim Overton is term-limited in 2027. White, a former Deputy Director Assistant Fire Chief and head of the Jacksonville Association of Fire Fighters, will be the instant establishment favorite to take over the position.
He already has Overton’s support.
“Serving as Tax Collector has been my great honor. This office demands innovative but steady leadership to earn and keep the taxpayer’s trust. Looking forward to the end of my public service, I can say without hesitation that Randy White is the right person to take on the next challenges of this position,” the incumbent said.
“Mr. White is qualified, honest, and capable. The citizens of Duval County know him and can trust him to do an outstanding job.”
Assuming an opponent emerges to challenge White, 2027’s will be the first competitive election for the post since 2019, when Overton defeated Democrat John Crescimbeni, getting more than 58% of the vote in an election where no Democrats ran for Mayor.
Speaking of mayors, a former two-term Republican chief executive is endorsing early.
“Randy White has demonstrated proven leadership throughout his distinguished career,” said Mayor John Peyton.
“As Fire Chief during my time as Mayor, I saw firsthand his steady leadership and commitment to our city. His service as City Council President further reflects his dedication to public service. Randy is well prepared for this role and will serve as Tax Collector with professionalism, integrity, and experience.”
White had little trouble in his GOP stronghold district two years ago, getting more than 64% of the vote in the March “First Election” and precluding any need for a runoff.
In 2019, he received more than 67% of the vote against a Republican.
White was elected in a Special Election in 2018, and faced no competition in that contest.
He expects that his political experience will help with the learning curve should he be elected.
“I’ve spent my life answering the call to serve,” White said. “I know what it means to lead large teams, manage budgets, and make tough decisions that affect people’s daily lives. That’s exactly the kind of experience our next Tax Collector needs.”
