Several of south Hillsborough County’s Democratic leaders are banding around Mike Suarez’s candidacy in House District 64.
That could be critical as Democrats try to retake a seat lost when Rep. Susan Valdés left the party[1] this year.
Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen, Tampa City Council members Alan Clendenin, Lynn Hurtak, Guido Maniscalco and Luis Viera, former Hillsborough County Commissioner Mariella Smith and former Sen. Arthenia Joyner are all endorsing Suarez, the first candidate[2] to file for the seat in 2026.
“I am honored to have the support of these incredible leaders who have dedicated themselves to serving our community,” Suarez said. “Together, we’ve worked to strengthen Tampa and Hillsborough County, and now I’m ready to continue that work in Tallahassee. I will fight every day to make sure our families are represented, our neighborhoods are safe, and our voices are heard.”
Suarez, who served eight years on the Tampa City Council, has been a stable force in Tampa politics for years. He chaired both the City Council and the Hillsborough Transportation Authority, and served on boards for the Lowry Park Zoo, Florida Aquarium, Tampa Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Cohen said he will be a strong candidate in the race for an open seat.
“Mike Suarez has been a champion for Tampa families and neighborhoods for decades,” Cohen said. “We need his experience and leadership in Tallahassee, where he’ll fight for affordable housing, better transportation and a stronger quality of life for all of us.”
To date, Suarez is the only candidate filed for the race. But that will likely change as Republicans would like to keep control of the post.
While Valdés won her most recent election as a Democrat, a majority of voters — 50.6% — in the district backed Republican Donald Trump for President, with under 48% backing Democrat Kamala Harris, according to MCI Maps[3].
Suarez will hold an official campaign kickoff on Oct. 23, according to his Facebook[4].
