Tampa City Council District 5 Special Election

The Tampa Bay Young Republicans surveyed and hosted a forum for all candidates to Tampa’s Special Election. We surveyed 500+ members and these were the results. We’ve included a full analysis of the field at the link below.

Election Dates: Sept 4-7th, Voting Day Sept 9th.

Information on how to vote: https://www.votehillsborough.gov/ELECTIONS/2025-City-of-Tampa-Special-Municipal-Election

Candidates receiving votes in order:

1. Elvis Piggott
   • Elvis, a member of the Tampa Bay Young Republicans, won our straw poll and would be a great representation for young people on the Tampa City Council. His time as a pastor in the district gives him deep ties to the community and we feel that he understands how to balance the desires of the constituents with the evolving growth in Tampa.
2. Audette Bruce
   • Audette formerly worked as a political aide to Representatives Jackie Toledo, Traci Koster, and Berny Jacques. In her time in the legislature, some of the legislation she worked on included combatting human trafficking, reducing costs of prescription drugs, protecting our children’s online information and enforcing school speed zone laws. She will bring a much needed diversity of thought to the council.
3. Alison Hewitt
   • With over 24 years of experience in economic development, government affairs, and public policy, Alison would bring a powerful record of leadership to the City Council. Appointed by Governor Jeb Bush, managed a $25.6M budget, she launched 20 revitalization projects statewide, and delivered $5M directly to District 5. She helped secure $28M to transform East Tampa’s Belmont Heights Estates into a vibrant, mixed-income community. As Chair of the East Tampa CRA Economic Development Subcommittee, Alison has championed job creation, small business growth, and investment in underserved neighborhoods.
4. Juawana Colbert
   • Juawana is also a proud grandmother, a real estate entrepreneur, a former advisory committee member for economic development, and a current member of the Tampa Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. She is running for City Council to bring her experience, empathy, and commitment to getting real results to every block of District 5.
5. Ariel Amirah Danley
   • Ariel Amirah Danley is the daughter of the late Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson, who formerly received the endorsement of the TBYR as a Democrat. A native of Tampa and a lifelong servant-leader, Ariel is running for City Council in District 5, but from a calling to continue the work her mother began.

Remaining candidates that received votes:

• Tom DeGeorge
  • We actually love the idea of a bar owner getting on the City Council that too often acts harshly against local business owners.
• Melony Williams
  • The only Republican running that did not bother to return our survey or attend our forum. We don’t think she’s taking this seriously. Pass.

Candidates who failed to receive any votes:

• Thomas Scott
  • The former County Commissioner who was sued multiple times during his tenure, including corruption allegations for funding his own church with County funds should not receive any consideration from voters. The fact that Tampa politicos such as Bob Buckhorn are actively promoting him, should be of concern for everyone.
• Albert Cooke
  • We don’t feel that he has the temperament to work with all stakeholders in the city on local issues. Hard pass.
• Darrell Dudney
  • Didn’t make enough of an impact to get attention or formulate an opinion.
• Fran Tate
  • Seems like a sweet old lady. Would assume she is not totally in touch with the growing needs of our younger demographics.
• Carroll West
  • While we applaud the former head of Tampa PRIDE for showing up to our event and answering most of our questions, he’s probably not the best representation of this district.
• Naya Young
  • Large concerns about her $250k in school loans and decision making ability for our budget- Including past support for defunding the police. We question her motives- you’re best to choose another candidate here.