Two prominent Black leaders with deep ties to Tallahassee are backing Loranne Ausley in her campaign for mayor, adding to a series of endorsements as the November election approaches.
Pastor R.B. Holmes Jr., longtime pastor of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, announced his endorsement of Ausley Monday, citing her experience, temperament and ability to work across political and community divisions.
The endorsement follows support from former U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, a longtime Tallahassee political figure who represented North Florida in Congress and previously served more than two decades in the Florida Legislature.
Holmes, whose church is one of Tallahassee’s most prominent historically Black congregations, said his support for Ausley is based in part on a relationship spanning four decades.
“Loranne Ausley possesses the precise temperament, seasoned leadership, and true humility required to heal and unite our city,” Holmes said in a campaign press release. “Our community is eager for a leader who genuinely listens and bridges divides.”
Holmes added that he believes Ausley “will be a mayor for all Tallahasseeans.”
Holmes has been involved in Tallahassee civic affairs for decades, including issues involving education, economic development and predominantly Black neighborhoods. He also served on the Florida A&M University Board of Trustees from 2001 to 2005.
Lawson’s support provides Ausley with another endorsement from a prominent Black political leader with longstanding connections to the city and region.
Lawson served in the Florida House and Senate before being elected to Congress in 2016. His relationship with Ausley also predates the current mayoral campaign. Lawson was among the prominent elected officials supporting Ausley’s 2020 campaign for the Florida Senate, when he was serving in Congress.
The endorsements come as Ausley and City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow compete in the November mayoral election. Ausley has been accumulating support from several political and community figures since the August primary. Former mayoral candidate Daryl Parks endorsed Ausley after finishing third in the primary, and former City Commission candidate Talethia Edwards subsequently announced her support for Ausley.
The support from Holmes and Lawson could be particularly noteworthy as both candidates seek support among Black voters, who represent an important part of Tallahassee’s electorate.
Ausley said Holmes’ endorsement reflected their years of working on community issues.
“I am deeply honored to have the support of Pastor Holmes, a giant of faith and civic progress who has spent 40 years uplifting this community,” Ausley said.
Holmes framed the election around leadership style and the ability to build coalitions.
“We need a proven leader who brings people together to get results,” Holmes said.
Ausley previously served in both the Florida House and Florida Senate and has emphasized experience, collaboration and what her campaign describes as “progress without division” in her bid for mayor.
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