Matlow received 37,063 votes (50.9%) compared to Ausley’s 35,698 votes (49.1%), a margin of 1,365 votes.

The geographic breakdown reveals significant differences from the 2022 mayoral election, when incumbent John Dailey defeated progressive challenger Kristin Dozier by nearly 4,000 votes.

District 1 – Southside

Matlow captured 57.8% of the vote in District 1, which includes predominantly Black neighborhoods on Tallahassee’s Southside. His 8,250 votes exceeded Ausley’s 6,028 by 2,222 votes.

This represents a significant reversal from 2022, when Dailey defeated Dozier in the district by 735 votes.

The results indicate that Matlow’s campaign successfully attracted support in an area that previously favored the more moderate mayoral candidate.

District 2 – Student Areas

Matlow’s strongest percentage came in District 2, which includes Florida State University and surrounding student neighborhoods.

Matlow received 64.6% of the vote, defeating Ausley by 2,856 votes.

In 2022, Dozier carried the district by just 662 votes. Matlow’s substantially larger margin provided a critical advantage.

District 3 – Waverly, Betton Hills area

Ausley narrowly carried District 3, receiving 51.6% compared to Matlow’s 48.4%, a margin of 485 votes.

Dailey won the district by 654 votes in 2022, indicating continued support for more moderate candidates, although by a smaller margin.

District 4 – Northeast Tallahassee

Ausley’s strongest performance came in the more conservative Northeast neighborhoods, including Killearn and Summerbrooke.

Ausley received 62.5% of the vote, defeating Matlow by 3,598 votes.

In 2022, Dailey carried the district by 3,816 votes, demonstrating the Northeast’s continued importance as a stronghold for moderate candidates.

District 5 – Eastside

Matlow narrowly carried District 5, which includes neighborhoods east of downtown along the Mahan Drive and Apalachee Parkway corridors. Matlow received 51% of the vote, winning by 370 votes. Dozier carried the district by 553 votes in 2022.

The Bottom Line

The biggest difference between 2026 and the Dailey-Dozier race in 2022 was the Southside, where a 735-vote advantage for Dailey became a 2,222-vote advantage for Matlow — a net swing of 2,957 votes toward the progressive candidate. Combined with Matlow’s expanded advantage in District 2, that shift was sufficient to overcome Ausley’s substantial Northeast margin.

The results suggest that Tallahassee’s progressive coalition expanded beyond its traditional student and eastside base, fundamentally changing the electoral geography that delivered Dailey’s victory four years earlier.

Mayor Jeremy Matlow defeated former state Sen. Loranne Ausley in a close contest, receiving 37,063 votes (50.94%) to Ausley’s 35,698 votes (49.06%). Matlow’s margin of victory was 1,365 votes out of 72,761 cast.

In the City Commission Seat 3 race, progressive candidate P.J. Perez defeated Tom Derzypolski by a substantial margin, receiving 44,427 votes (64.21%) compared to Derzypolski’s 24,764 votes (35.79%).

However, progressive candidate Dot Inman-Johnson was unsuccessful in her attempt to unseat incumbent Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox in Seat 5. Williams-Cox received 35,638 votes (51.70%) compared to Inman-Johnson’s 33,292 votes (48.30%), a margin of 2,346 votes.

With all 80 precincts reporting, the results establish a progressive majority consisting of Matlow, Perez and Commissioner Jack Porter. Williams-Cox and Commissioner Curtis Richardson will represent the minority bloc.

The new alignment could have significant implications for city policies and spending priorities.

During the campaign, progressive candidates emphasized affordable housing, government accountability, environmental protection and changes to the city’s approach to growth and development.

With three votes, the progressive majority could advance policies that previously faced resistance, including additional development regulations, changes to utility policies and greater scrutiny of city spending and economic development incentives.

The majority could also influence appointments to city advisory boards and the selection of leadership positions, while potentially revisiting decisions made by previous commissions.

One area to watch will be the city’s relationship with developers. Matlow and Porter have frequently challenged development proposals and policies they contend favor developers over existing neighborhoods. Perez’s election provides another potential vote for that approach.

Utility rates and the city’s electric utility investments could also become contentious as commissioners consider future energy projects and their financial impact on customers.

However, campaign promises will now face the practical challenges of governing, including budget limitations, existing contractual obligations and competing demands for city services.

For Matlow, Porter and Perez, the challenge will be translating their campaign positions into governing decisions while demonstrating that their policies can deliver measurable results for city residents.

The latest campaign finance report for Friends of Jeremy Matlow shows a $40,000 payment to The Win Number, a political consulting firm Estanga established in late August 2026.

The payment follows a $200,000 contribution to the PAC from the California-based Green Advocacy Project, an organization supporting progressive candidates and environmental policies.

The financial transactions represent the latest chapter in a political controversy that began in July and appeared to end with Estanga’s resignation.

On July 23, Tallahassee Reports revealed that a Facebook page called “Tallahassee Conservatives” had been used to distribute damaging information about Talethia Edwards, a Black Democrat running for City Commission Seat 3 against Matlow-backed candidate PJ Perez.

Estanga subsequently acknowledged responsibility for the deceptive Facebook operation, said she acted alone and resigned from the Matlow and Perez campaigns. Matlow denied involvement and accepted her resignation.

However, the separation was short-lived.

On August 18, Estanga appeared at Matlow’s election-night gathering alongside Ryan Ray, Matlow’s City Commission aide and chairman of the Leon County Democratic Party.

By late August, Estanga had established The Win Number.

On September 14, Matlow’s campaign paid her new company $4,000 for field consulting, according to a September 30 Tallahassee Democrat report.

Matlow defended the arrangement, describing Estanga as a talented organizer and data analyst whose company was coordinating voter canvassing.

Following the renewed scrutiny, Estanga publicly declared, “I’m here to stay baby.”

Now, the reported $40,000 PAC expenditure places Estanga’s consulting firm in an even more substantial financial relationship with Matlow’s political operation.

The chronology is clear: Estanga resigned following a campaign controversy, returned to Matlow’s political operation, established a consulting firm and subsequently received substantial campaign-related payments.

What began as a public separation in July has become a significant financial relationship just days before the November 3 election.

Early voting Republicans are on the same pace as 2022, however Democrats are surpassing their 2022 early vote numbers. Is this advantage the result of 2022 election day Democrat voters casting ballots early or is this the sign of a more engaged Democrat electorate?

The Latest Numbers

According to the latest figures, 44,353 Democrats have voted by mail or in person during early voting, compared with 20,767 Republicans and 11,944 NPA voters.

Democrats account for 56.4% of the 78,680 ballots cast before Election Day, compared with 26.4% for Republicans and 15.2% for NPA voters.

The Democratic advantage over Republicans currently stands at 23,586 ballots, compared with 18,481 at the same stage of the 2022 election data.

The most significant change involves in-person early voting. Democrats have cast 28,333 early ballots, an 83.6% increase over 2022. Republicans have cast 14,197 early ballots, a 19.4% increase, while NPA voters have cast 8,255, more than double their 2022 total of 3,939.

Vote-by-mail participation has declined substantially across all three groups. Democratic mail ballots declined 35%, Republican mail ballots declined 32.5%, and NPA mail ballots declined 29.1%.

Despite these declines, Democrats have increased their combined pre-Election Day ballot total by 10.6% compared with 2022. Republican participation has declined 3.9%, while NPA participation has increased 30.7%.

The changing composition of early voters comes as Tallahassee residents prepare to decide several closely watched local contests, including races for mayor and City Commission.

However, the figures represent countywide participation rather than voters residing specifically within Tallahassee city limits. They also reflect party registration, not candidate preference. Registered Republicans, Democrats and NPA voters may support candidates regardless of party affiliation in nonpartisan municipal elections.

EARLY VOTING DATA, 2022 & 2026

Tallahassee mayoral candidate Jeremy Matlow’s political committee, Friends of Jeremy Matlow, has received a $200,000 contribution from the California-based Green Advocacy Project, according to newly reported campaign finance information.

The contribution, disclosed less than a week before the November 3 election, brings renewed attention to the role of out-of-state environmental organizations in Tallahassee politics and their interest in influencing the future of the city’s electric utility.

The timing also raises questions about campaign finance transparency. With only days remaining before voters go to the polls, the late disclosure leaves limited opportunity for news organizations to investigate the contribution and for voters to evaluate the donor’s policy objectives.

However, without evidence of the donor’s or campaign’s intentions, it cannot be established that the contribution was deliberately timed to avoid press coverage.

Who Is the Green Advocacy Project?

The Green Advocacy Project, based in Palo Alto, California, was founded in 2017 by progressive political activist Michael Kieschnick, who also founded CREDO Mobile.

The organization supports political efforts aimed at reducing dependence on fossil fuels and accelerating the transition to renewable energy. Its leadership includes political operatives associated with national progressive campaigns, including Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign.

This is not the organization’s first involvement in Tallahassee elections.

In 2024, the Green Advocacy Project contributed $150,000 to Matlow’s One Tallahassee political committee, which supported progressive candidates for City Commission. The organization has also contributed $200,000 to Lead Locally PAC between 2024 and 2026.

Why Is California Interested in Tallahassee?

One explanation involves Tallahassee’s city-owned electric utility.

Unlike communities served by investor-owned utilities, Tallahassee’s elected City Commission has significant authority over electricity generation, energy investments and utility policies.

The city’s electric generation system relies heavily on natural gas, making Tallahassee an attractive target for environmental organizations seeking to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

In September, California-based Lead Locally endorsed Matlow and City Commission candidates Dot Inman-Johnson and P.J. Perez. The organization has specifically advocated a rapid transition to clean energy in Tallahassee.

Matlow has also received the endorsement of the Jane Fonda Climate PAC, another national organization supporting candidates committed to reducing fossil fuel use.

Matlow’s own voting record reflects his willingness to challenge existing natural gas commitments.

In February 2024, Matlow and Commissioner Jack Porter opposed extending a natural gas pipeline capacity agreement after utility officials warned that the capacity would be needed to meet customer demand.

Matlow instead sought a review of alternatives to natural gas. The proposed alternative failed, and the contract extension passed 3-2.

The disagreement highlights a potentially significant financial issue for Tallahassee residents.

Matlow has argued that transitioning to renewable energy could lower utility bills. Supporters of renewable energy also point to reduced fuel expenses and the potential for long-term savings.

However, accelerating that transition could require substantial investments in generation, battery storage and backup capacity. The impact on customer rates would depend on the cost and timing of those investments.

Questions About Timing

The $200,000 contribution is particularly noteworthy because of its proximity to Election Day.

Although late campaign contributions are permitted under applicable reporting requirements, disclosure shortly before an election can limit the time available for public scrutiny.

The distinction between when the contribution was received and when it was publicly reported is important. Establishing whether the timing was intentionally designed to minimize news coverage would require additional evidence.

The contribution also raises broader questions about what California environmental organizations expect from the candidates they support.

Matlow previously defended out-of-state contributions to his political committee, telling WFSU in 2024 that the financial support helped his political allies compete with opposing interests.

For Tallahassee voters, the central questions are why the Green Advocacy Project is investing another $200,000 in local politics, whether the contribution is connected to specific utility policy expectations, and how those policies could affect electric rates.

The answers could have consequences extending well beyond Tuesday’s election.

Tallahassee United says the mailer included a statement that was wrong and unintentional. The group issued a correction.

The lawsuit adds another controversy to the increasingly contentious Seat 5 race. Earlier this month, Inman-Johnson’s campaign withdrew a radio advertisement that used the term “Negroes” while alleging that wealthy developers controlled Black elected officials, including Williams-Cox.

The Lawsuit

The lawsuit names Tallahassee United and two of its officials, Aeon West and Remera Jones-Haynes, as defendants. Inman-Johnson is seeking unspecified damages.

The controversy centers on a mailer claiming Inman-Johnson was “caught accepting cash for votes.” The advertisement cited a 1990 Tallahassee Democrat article concerning a 1988 city land transaction.

The original article reported allegations involving a payment received by former County Commissioner Jim Crews, who later married Inman-Johnson. Crews received the payment in connection with a land sale he negotiated while working for the Trust for Public Land.

Inman-Johnson voted to approve the transaction. However, the individual making the allegations at the time acknowledged having no proof of wrongdoing.

Inman-Johnson’s attorneys argue the mailer falsely portrayed her as having committed a felony.

Following a cease-and-desist letter, Tallahassee United distributed a new mailer stating “Sorry, Dot!” and acknowledging that the original newspaper article did not establish that she accepted cash for votes.

The committee said the mailer language related to the “cash for votes” statement was unintentional and maintained its other criticisms of Inman-Johnson were valid. Those criticisms included a law enforcement investigation into the use of a city credit card.

Attorney Adam Fetterman, representing Tallahassee United, characterized the lawsuit as a political publicity stunt and said the committee would vigorously defend itself.

At an October 26 news conference, Inman-Johnson reiterated her allegations and criticized the campaign attacks.

Voters will decide the contest November 3.

The endorsement was included in an October 22 announcement from the Ausley campaign identifying more than 40 supporters, including nine local faith leaders, eight local current and former elected officials, and numerous political figures from across Florida.

McNeil’s endorsement adds to Ausley’s previously announced support from law enforcement organizations.

In April, the Big Bend Chapter of the Florida Police Benevolent Association (PBA), which represents more than 500 Tallahassee police officers, endorsed Ausley for mayor.

At the time, PBA President Richard Murphy cited Ausley’s legislative record, stating that she had consistently defended law enforcement officers and advocated for additional funding to improve officer safety.

The sheriff joins several other local officials supporting Ausley, including Leon County Schools Superintendent Rocky Hanna, School Board member Darryl Jones, Tax Collector Doris Maloy, Clerk of Courts Gwen Marshall, former Congressman Al Lawson, former Mayor John Marks and former state Representative Alan Williams.

The announcement also highlights support among Tallahassee’s religious leaders, including Rev. R.B. Holmes of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Bishop Titus Deas, Presiding Elder Rudy Ferguson and six other faith leaders.

Statewide endorsements include former Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, U.S. Representatives Lois Frankel and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

“I’m humbled and honored by the trust this impressive list of individuals has placed in me and my campaign for mayor,” Ausley said.

The latest announcement follows previous endorsements from former mayoral candidate Daryl Parks and former City Commission candidate Talethia Edwards.

Tallahassee City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow and his progressive allies are promoting a faster transition from natural gas to renewable energy, a policy supported by California-based political organizations endorsing their campaigns. However, the potential impact on electric rates has received considerably less attention.

The debate raises an important question for Tallahassee residents: Will an accelerated transition to renewable energy result in higher monthly electric bills?

Matlow, who is running for mayor, has argued that renewable energy can lower electricity costs. However, the experience of other utilities demonstrates that transitioning away from fossil fuels can involve significant capital investments, financing costs and long-term financial commitments.

(Editor’s note: Commissioner Matlow has publicly stated that city can transition to renewable energy and lower electric rates. We have asked for examples of other municipal utilities successfully implementing this transition and we have yet to receive a response.)

The issue is particularly important in Tallahassee, where natural gas is the primary fuel used to generate electricity.

California Groups Back Progressive Candidates

Lead Locally, a California-based organization supporting progressive candidates, has endorsed Matlow for mayor and Dot Inman-Johnson and P.J. Perez for City Commission.

The organization has called for Tallahassee to rapidly transition to clean energy.

Matlow has also received an endorsement from the Jane Fonda Climate PAC, an organization supporting candidates committed to reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

These endorsements highlight the importance of energy policy to the progressive movement seeking greater control of Tallahassee’s municipal government.

However, the central financial question remains largely unanswered: How much would an accelerated transition cost, and who would pay?

A 2024 Vote Reveals the Policy Divide

The disagreement over natural gas is not new.

At the February 7, 2024, City Commission meeting, Matlow and Commissioner Jack Porter voted against extending a natural gas pipeline capacity contract with Florida Gas Transmission Company.

The proposed extension involved approximately $4 million in budgeted utility operating expenditures and would secure pipeline capacity for another 10 years.

According to the city’s agenda materials, the contract represented approximately 26% of Tallahassee’s natural gas usage.

Utility officials warned that rejecting the extension would leave the city without sufficient natural gas capacity to meet existing electric and gas utility customer demands.

The agenda also stated that projected natural gas requirements demonstrated a clear need for the capacity through 2035.

Rather than approve the extension, Matlow proposed reviewing the city’s four energy contracts and examining alternatives to natural gas in connection with the city’s clean energy goals.

Porter supported the proposal.

The substitute motion failed 2-3, with Matlow and Porter voting in favor.

The original contract extension subsequently passed 3-2, with both commissioners opposed.

The vote provides a documented example of Matlow and Porter prioritizing a review of alternatives to natural gas despite utility staff’s stated concerns about maintaining adequate fuel supplies. During the discussion Matlow stated, “there are renewable energies we can import.”

Gainesville’s $2 Billion Warning

A Florida example illustrates the potential financial consequences of aggressive renewable energy policies.

Gainesville Regional Utilities pursued renewable electricity through a 102.5-megawatt biomass generating facility that began operating in 2013. The plant was designed to supply as much as 30% of the utility’s electricity.

The original 30-year power purchase agreement carried an estimated $2.4 billion financial obligation, according to a 2026 Gainesville presentation.

The agreement required substantial annual payments even when the facility was not generating electricity.

As natural gas prices declined, the biomass arrangement became increasingly expensive compared with conventional generation.

In 2017, Gainesville purchased the facility for approximately $750 million to escape the remaining contractual obligations, which would have totaled roughly $2 billion. The purchase was expected to reduce future costs compared with keeping the original agreement.

Gainesville’s experience demonstrates how long-term commitments made to accelerate renewable energy adoption can create enormous financial exposure for utility customers.

New England’s Natural Gas Lesson

Another warning comes from New England, where restrictions on natural gas pipeline expansion have contributed to higher electricity costs.

According to ISO New England’s market monitoring reports, limited pipeline capacity has increased natural gas prices during periods of high demand, contributing to higher wholesale electricity prices.

In 2025, New England’s wholesale electricity costs increased approximately 48%, reaching $15 billion. Higher natural gas prices were a major factor.

The region has also expanded renewable generation, but its experience demonstrates that reducing access to natural gas infrastructure before adequate alternatives are available can expose consumers to additional costs.

The Missing Cost Analysis

Renewable energy advocates correctly point out that solar generation has no fuel expense and can reduce exposure to volatile natural gas prices.

But solar facilities require upfront investment, and replacing dispatchable natural gas generation can require battery storage, transmission improvements and backup power supplies.

For Tallahassee, the critical issue is not whether renewable energy should play a greater role in electricity generation. The city has already invested in solar energy and established long-term clean energy goals.

The question is whether accelerating that transition would produce savings sufficient to offset the additional investments.

Before committing Tallahassee to a faster transition away from natural gas, residents should know the projected capital costs, financing requirements, reliability implications and anticipated effect on monthly electric bills.

For the California organizations endorsing Tallahassee’s progressive candidates, the priority is accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels. For Tallahassee ratepayers, the priority may be considerably simpler: keeping electricity affordable and reliable.

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.

Founded in 2022 by actress and political activist Jane Fonda, the PAC supports candidates committed to reducing fossil fuel use and challenging the political influence of oil and gas companies.

The organization provides financial contributions, fundraising assistance and campaign volunteers to endorsed candidates.

The endorsement follows the September announcement that California-based Lead Locally was supporting Matlow, Dot Inman-Johnson and P.J. Perez.

Lead Locally advocates stopping fossil fuel development and building support for the Green New Deal through local elections.

The organizations have also collaborated nationally on voter outreach activities.

Financial connections to Tallahassee politics extend back to 2024.

That year, Jane Fonda Climate PAC contributed $5,000 to Matlow’s One Tallahassee political committee.

Separately, Green Advocacy Project contributed $150,000 to One Tallahassee during the 2024 election cycle. Federal records also show Green Advocacy Project contributed $200,000 to Lead Locally PAC between 2024 and 2026.

The involvement of national environmental organizations is significant because Tallahassee owns its electric utility, which relies heavily on natural gas.

Lead Locally has specifically identified Tallahassee’s utility as an opportunity to accelerate the transition toward renewable energy.

While supporters argue that expanding renewable energy can reduce long-term costs and emissions, questions remain about the expense of replacing natural gas generation and maintaining reliable electricity service.

The endorsements raise an important question for voters: Would the energy policies advocated by national environmental organizations influence future decisions about Tallahassee’s electric rates, power generation and utility investments?

Tallahassee City Commission candidate Dot Inman-Johnson’s campaign has acknowledged using the racially outdated term “Negroes” in a radio advertisement attacking incumbent Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox, raising questions about the campaign’s portrayal of Black elected officials as individuals who cannot make independent decisions.

The controversy emerged after the Inman-Johnson campaign aired a 30-second advertisement narrated by her husband, Lee Johnson.

The advertisement stated:

“For years, rich developers have placed Negroes in office to do what they want and now they got Dianne Williams-Cox.”

The advertisement then promoted Inman-Johnson as an alternative in the November 3 election for City Commission Seat 5.

Williams-Cox strongly criticized the advertisement.

“We should be bringing people together—not dividing them by race or using degrading language to win an election”, said Williams-Cox.

She also rejected the allegation that developers control her decisions.

“I have never been anyone’s puppet,” Williams-Cox said. “No developer, special interest, political group or individual tells me how to vote. My decisions are based on what I believe is best for the people of Tallahassee.”

The Use of “Negro”

The language raises two separate issues: the campaign’s decision to use a racial designation associated with the segregation era and its suggestion that Black elected officials are not independent representatives of their constituents.

The advertisement did not simply accuse Williams-Cox of supporting policies favored by local business interests. Instead, it placed her within a broader racial category of elected officials allegedly installed to take direction.

That framing carries an implication that Black officeholders lack political independence and exercise authority at the direction of others. The advertisement offered no specific evidence supporting its sweeping allegation about Black elected officials.

The campaign’s response to the radio ad also drew attention.

Lee Johnson acknowledged narrating the advertisement and confirmed that he had withdrawn it following complaints.

“I have pulled the radio ad in case some people got offended by the word ‘Negro,’ which is a name we were called back in the 50s and 60s,” Johnson told the Democrat.

His statement acknowledged the term’s association with the 1950s and 1960s, a period when Black Americans faced legally enforced racial segregation and widespread discrimination.

However, Johnson did not explain why the campaign selected that terminology or address the broader implication that Black elected officials are controlled by developers.

When asked why he used the word, Johnson declined further comment.

Inman-Johnson also declined to comment on the advertisement, according to the Democrat. Her husband told the newspaper, “She has no comment at all.”

The commercial included a disclaimer identifying Inman-Johnson’s campaign as its sponsor.

While criticism of developer influence is a legitimate political issue, the advertisement went further by suggesting that Black elected officials have historically been placed in office to follow the instructions of wealthy interests.

The Inman Johnson campaign has not publicly explained the basis for that allegation or why it chose to make race a central element of its attack on Williams-Cox.

The event, titled “Fighting Oligarchy: Where We Go From Here,” will take place at The Moon, located at 1105 East Lafayette Street. Doors will open at 6 p.m., with the speaking program scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

The Tallahassee appearance is part of Sanders’ national tour focused on economic inequality, corporate influence in government and the concentration of wealth and political power.

According to Sanders’ official website, the tour is intended to generate discussions about challenging wealthy individuals and corporate interests that Sanders believes exercise excessive influence over American politics.

The Tallahassee event also comes at a significant time in local politics, with Nixon publicly supporting Matlow in his campaign against former state Senator Loranne Ausley for mayor.

Nixon, who represents a Jacksonville-area district in the Florida House, is the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate after defeating Alex Vindman in the August Democratic primary.

In September, Nixon appeared in a campaign advertisement supporting Matlow alongside Tallahassee City Commissioner Jack Porter and Leon County Commissioner Bill Proctor.

“From Washington, D.C., to Tallahassee City Hall, change can’t wait,” Nixon said in the advertisement.

Matlow announced Nixon’s endorsement as part of a group of endorsements from elected officials supporting his mayoral campaign.

Nixon’s participation in the Sanders event highlights the connections between Tallahassee’s local progressive political movement and national progressive leaders.

Sanders, an independent senator from Vermont who caucuses with Democrats, has been one of the nation’s most prominent advocates for democratic socialism, expanded government health care programs, higher taxes on wealthy Americans and increased regulation of large corporations.

Nixon has also been associated with the Democratic Socialists of America and has promoted policies emphasizing economic equality, expanded public services and greater government involvement in addressing affordability.

Sanders endorsed Nixon’s U.S. Senate campaign in August, praising her positions on health care, childcare and economic issues.

In accepting the endorsement, Nixon said government should serve working people rather than billionaires and corporations.

The Sanders-Nixon tour includes four Florida appearances over two days.

On Saturday, October 17, the two are scheduled to appear in Tampa and Melbourne. On Sunday, October 18, they will visit Gainesville before traveling to Tallahassee for the evening event.

The appearances come as Nixon campaigns for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Ashley Moody.

The timing of the Tallahassee rally is also noteworthy because early voting in Leon County begins October 19, the day after Sanders’ appearance.

The November 3 election includes the Tallahassee mayoral contest between Matlow and Ausley, along with two contested City Commission races.

Although Nixon has endorsed Matlow, the Sanders event is being promoted as part of his national political tour, not as an official Matlow campaign event. There has been no announcement that Matlow will participate in the speaking program or that Sanders has endorsed Matlow.

The event is open to the public, with attendees encouraged to RSVP through Sanders’ official website.