Pensacola’s mayoral race has six candidates running for the seat currently filled by incumbent D.C. Reeves. The information below was completed solely by the candidate at the request of the Pensacola News Journal and appears unedited.
IF A CANDIDATE DID NOT RETURN A QUESTIONNAIRE BY DEADLINE, THEIR Q&A WAS NOT PUBLISHED.
Name: D.C. Reeves
Office seeking: Mayor of Pensacola
Occupation: Mayor, City of Pensacola
Education: Pensacola Catholic High School (2002); B.S., Florida State University (2007)
Why are you running for this office?
As a hometown kid raised right here in Pensacola, this work is personal. I want real success for all Pensacolians, in every single neighborhood. Isn’t that what we all want—for our kids and grandkids to build great lives right here? I’m running so my daughter and the next generation have every reason to stay and thrive in Pensacola.
In 2007, less than 29% of residents felt Pensacola was on the right track. Over the last three years, that number has stayed between 66% and 70%. Our city is in a golden age, and I’m running to keep that momentum going for everyone.
What experience do you have that makes you qualified for this office?
As Mayor, I’ve managed and protected $300M+ budgets each year while pushing major economic projects forward. Our grants office has brought in over $200M in outside funding to stretch your local tax dollars. My background in business operations means I respect a budget, stay nimble, and focus on delivering real results.
In three years, we brought Birdon America to the Port (a $76M Triumph project creating nearly 2,000 high-paying jobs), acquired the 38-acre former Baptist Hospital campus to revitalize the Westside, and guided record airport growth with a $110M+ terminal expansion. My work as a local business owner and journalist gives me the practical tools and transparency needed to lead.
In an uncertain national economy, experience isn’t optional, it’s critical. I’m the only candidate with proven experience balancing $300M+ municipal budgets, protecting taxpayer dollars, and keeping Pensacola on solid financial ground.
In your view, what is the role of city government?
It always starts with public safety—making sure police and fire have what they need to keep us safe. Our city is safer today than it’s been in years. Second is tackling affordability the best way local government can: creating high-paying jobs and economic opportunities. Beyond that, city government needs to deliver solid basic services, fix infrastructure, and leverage grants—all while staying fiscally disciplined and accountable to taxpayers.
What is your position on the statewide property tax referendum and if it passes how would you address the reduction in revenue?
While I think we need a much deeper analysis of what this referendum actually means long-term, if it passes, it will hit city revenues and services hard. But we’ll handle it. Having managed $300M+ budgets through plenty of challenges, we’ll protect public safety first, audit operations line-by-line, and lean on our track record of securing grants and growing commercial revenue to absorb the impact without losing ground.
What do you think the city should do to address housing affordability?
You have to attack housing affordability from every angle. We’re doing just that—deploying Pallet shelters to get unhoused neighbors off the street, acquiring the former Baptist Hospital site (the largest city-controlled property in recent memory), and partnering with the Northwest Florida Community Land Trust for long-term affordability. With 200+ affordable family and senior units already underway near Baptist, we’re delivering real options for working families, seniors, and first responders.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: D.C. Reeves for Mayor of Pensacola Q&A
Reporting by Mayor D.C. Reeves, Pensacola News Journal / Pensacola News Journal
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By Mayor D.C. Reeves, Pensacola News Journal | USA TODAY Network
