City Commission Seat 5
Type of race: Non-partisan
Who can vote: All registered voters in the city of Tallahassee
What’s next: If no one candidate gets more than half the vote in the Aug. 18 primary, the top two vote-getters go on to the Nov. 3 general election.
How much does this position pay: $99,167
Dianne Williams-Cox
Age: 63
Profession: Technology professional
Qualifications: “As an experienced Tallahassee City Commissioner, I deliver results through collaborative leadership, fiscal responsibility, neighborhood investments, public safety, economic development, and a proven commitment to serving every resident.”
Website: www.diannewilliamscoxcampaign.com
Q: What is the single most important issue in this race?
A: Improving quality of life by keeping neighborhoods safe while making Tallahassee more affordable. That issue connects many of the concerns voters consistently raise: Public safety and reducing crime, affordable housing and cost of living, good-paying jobs and economic opportunity, reliable infrastructure and neighborhood investment, responsible growth that benefits all parts of the city,
Q: What would you say makes you stand out from your opponents in this race?
A: This election is about proven leadership, not promises. As your commissioner, I have demonstrated that leadership is about bringing people together to solve problems and deliver results. I have worked collaboratively to support investments in public safety, affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, infrastructure improvements, economic development, and quality-of-life initiatives. My record reflects thoughtful decision-making, fiscal responsibility, and commitment to listening to residents before making important decisions. I believe leadership is measured by what gets accomplished – not by the loudest voice or sharpest criticism. I have remained accessible, responsive, and focused on serving every neighborhood because every resident deserves to be represented.
Dot Inman-Johnson
Age: 80
Profession: Retired (former teacher, nonprofit executive director)
Qualifications: Former city commissioner and mayor, Florida Arts Council member, National Advisory Committee on Super Fund Reauthorization, current member of Sierra Club of Florida Environmental Justice Committee
Website: Dotfortally.com
What is the single most important issue in this race?
A: Picking one issue is difficult. Tallahassee’s high 20% to 25% poverty rate; poor financial management at a time the city is facing an impending property tax crisis; and out of control urban sprawl that destroys natural resources and depletes the budget to update infrastructure inside current city boundaries in order to extend new infrastructure to newly annexed areas are equally important.
What would you say makes you stand out from your opponents in this race?
A: My long record of service to Tallahassee residents and demonstrated leadership skills that resulted in the completion of Kleman Plaza, the Smith-Williams Annex, the restoration of Greenwood Cemetery, the creation of Riley Park, restoration of the Downtown Chain of Parks, a Mini-PASS Program for sidewalk, street safety, and drainage program for older neighborhoods, and electric utility innovation with an electric utility rate stabilization reserve fund to lower bills during peak usage.
Tifany Hill
Age: 56
Profession: Retired Veteran, retired VHA employee, editor & publisher of Steel & Grace Women Veterans Magazine
Qualifications: Tallahassee native, retired Army Gulf War veteran, MBA graduate, housing manager, veteran advocate, and “proven public servant committed to service, accountability, opportunity and results.”
Website: t4tally.com
What is the single most important issue in this race?
A: The most important issue in this race is restoring trust in local government through inclusive, people-centered leadership. Residents deserve a seat at the table before major decisions are made, not after. When we listen first, engage our neighborhoods, and make decisions transparently, we build stronger solutions for affordable housing, public safety, economic opportunity, infrastructure, and our environment. As a Tallahassee native and retired Army Gulf War veteran, I will lead with S.O.A.R. — Service, Opportunity, Accountability, and Results — because the best decisions are made with our residents, not just for them.
What would you say makes you stand out from your opponents in this race?
A: I offer fresh perspective rooted in a lifetime of service. This is my first time seeking elected office, so I come without preconceived notions or political baggage. I was raised in low-income housing by two disabled parents, which taught me resilience and compassion. As a retired Army Gulf War veteran, I learned every decision has consequences. I’ve been an active American Federation of Government Employees union member for over 20 years and a lifelong public servant. I created Steel & Grace Women Veterans Magazine to give underserved women veterans a voice. Now, I’m ready to give Tallahassee residents that same voice.
Elena Barrera can be reached at ebarrera@tallahassee.com. Follow her on X: @elenabarreraaa.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee City Commission Seat 5: Voter guide to 2026 primary election
Reporting by Elena Barrera, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Elena Barrera, Tallahassee Democrat | USA TODAY Network
