The mother of a slain Florida vice mayor is running for the city commission seat left vacant when her daughter died.
Marly Metayer filed paperwork to run for the Coral Springs Commission seat 3, according to the city’s campaign finance portal. Her daughter, Nancy Metayer Bowen, was elected to the position in 2020 and won reelection in 2024.
Metayer Bowen’s body was found in her home April 1 after coworkers and family members became concerned when the 38-year-old did not show up for meetings. Her husband, Stephen Bowen, was charged with fatally shooting her. He has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder.
Why Marly Metayer is running for Coral Springs city commission
Marly Metayer plans to run on a similar platform as her daughter, focusing on environmentalism, public safety, economic mobility and mental health.
“[Marly] wants to step forward to complete the work of her daughter, not leave it undone,” David Metellus, her campaign manager, who also worked with Nancy Metayer Bowen, told the Miami Herald. “She really feels like she can serve the community.”
This is Marly Metayer’s first time running for a political office. Metellus said she has not plans of being a long-term politician.
USA Today Network-Florida left a message for Metellus.
Residents will head to the polls and vote Tuesday, Nov. 3. There are five candidates seeking the position. The elected officials will serve a two-year term.
Metayer Bowen was the first Black person elected to the city commission. She was reportedly days away from announcing plans to run for state office when she was killed.
How was Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen killed?
Stephen Bowen is accused of shooting his wife three times the evening of March 31.
That evening, he slept downstairs in the couple’s home while his wife’s dead body was in their master bed upstairs. Nancy Metayer Bowen missed some meetings the morning of April 1, which alarmed colleagues who reached out to police.
Stephen Bowen initially denied knowing where his wife was. A motive for the shooting has not been released.
Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the network’s Rapid Response reporter, she covers Florida’s breaking news. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Mom of slain Florida vice mayor running for her city commission seat
Reporting by Michelle Spitzer, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
