Progressive Candidate Defeats Ex-Senator in Tallahassee Mayoral Runoff

Jeremy Matlow defeated Loranne Ausley 51% to 49% in Tallahassee’s mayoral runoff, defeating the former state senator after both advanced from the August primary. Matlow, a progressive city commissioner who campaigned against what he called City Hall’s political establishment, prevailed despite Ausley’s backing from a third-place primary candidate. His victory, alongside P.J. Perez’s win in a City Commission race, gives progressives control of City Hall after years in the minority. Ausley had argued she could restore civility to a commission marked by bitter disputes, while the campaign drew heavy outside spending and negative advertising.