The Leon County Democratic Party, led by Tallahassee City Commissioner Matlow’s aide, Ryan Ray, has responded to mayoral candidate Loranne Ausley’s positive comments about the city’s sale of hospital assets to FSU. The party’s response -which questioned Ausley’s position on the 3-2 decision – raises questions about the role of the local Democratic Party in the upcoming Tallahassee mayoral election.
Ausley is a registered Democrat.
A New Opportunity
After the 3-2 vote to transfer city-owned hospital assets to FSU, Ausley posted a statement on Facebook urging the community take advantage of the “opportunity.”
“Tallahassee now has the opportunity to create a true academic medical center that brings more specialists, residency training, clinical trials and cutting-edge care to the city we love. This transformation won’t happen overnight – it will take long-term collaboration, hard work and strong partnerships. This is going to grow local capacity, improve recruitment and retention of providers, and strengthen health outcomes for everyone in our region, said Ausley.
Ausley continued, “Now that the city has voted to transfer TMH to FSU and this bold vision is moving forward, it is time to roll up our sleeves and start the hard work. That means our next Mayor must be ready on day one to work with all parties to ensure the vision becomes a reality. Our next Mayor must stand firm in enforcing the agreed protections including the most important protection for charity care. Today begins the long-term investment in health care access, quality, and economic stability for all of Tallahassee. As your next Mayor, my sleeves are rolled up and I’m ready to go to work.”
The post generated approximately 65 comments and 232 other engagements, with 223 of the engagements supporting Ausley’s statement.
Included in the comments was a question from the local Democratic Party which asked, “Do you support the transfer of assets as approved this morning, Senator?” The post by the Democratic Party was liked by Dr. Bruce Strouble, chair of Tallahassee ALERT, a group that voiced opposition to the sale.
Ausley never responded to the inquiry.
The post from the Democratic Party, during the campaign for Tallahassee mayor featuring at least three registered Democrats, raises questions about the role the Democratic Party will play in the election.
Will the party only promote positions endorsed by City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow?
Can Democrats running for mayor take a position supporting the sale of the hospital assets to FSU without fear of being attacked by their own political party?
TR has reached out to the Democratic Party for a comment.
Will the party only promote positions endorsed by City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow?
Can Democrats running for mayor take a position supporting the sale of the hospital assets to FSU without fear of being attacked by their own political party?
These are two very good questions, the 2026 Elections are going to be very interesting.