Jacksonville Bold for 10.15.25 — Collision course
Power plays and plot twists are reshuffling Duval's political class. Notably, Angie Nixon is exploring a run for U.S. Senate, and a familiar face is resurfacing as a candidate in 2026.
- Former Jacksonville City Council member Reggie Gaffney Sr. is in the House District 13 Democratic Primary.
- Audrey Gibson, the former leader of the Senate Democrats, could file as soon as this week.
Both Gaffney and Gibson are among the best-known Democrats in Duval County, with considerable political experience, and are recovering from recent political setbacks.
Gaffney served most of two terms, then left the Council for an unsuccessful run against Tracie Davis for the Florida Senate in 2022, after Gibson was term-limited. Gibson ran to be Chair of the Florida Democratic Party after leaving the administration of Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan last year, but ultimately fell short in her bid to replace Nikki Fried.
Author's summary: Jacksonville's political landscape is shifting with new candidates.