Karen Kerr and John Haney win contested City Commission races.
After months of campaigning and a closely contested runoff, Plant City voters elected two new city commissioners Tuesday night, signaling support for candidates who promised to make smart decisions about future growth while preserving the City’s character and small-town values.
In the Group 3 race, Karen Kerr defeated Tony Smith, winning 52.75% of the vote (1,994 votes) to Smith’s 47.25% (1,786 votes), according to unofficial returns released Tuesday night by the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections. Kerr will fill the seat being vacated by longtime Commissioner Michael Sparkman.
Kerr is grateful to the residents of Plant City for their trust, support and confidence in her throughout the campaign and election. “I look forward to serving our community with integrity,” said Kerr.
One important objective during her time in office will include maintaining strong financial stewardship while thoughtfully addressing important issues like growth, traffic, infrastructure, flooding, and public safety.
“Together, I believe we can preserve the character of Plant City while building an even stronger future for generations to come,” she said.
In the Group 4 runoff, John Haney defeated Camryn Henry with 54.83% of the vote (2,036 votes) to Henry’s 45.17% (1,677 votes). Haney will replace Commissioner Bill Dodson, who did not seek reelection after years on the commission.
Haney, who waited for election results in downtown Plant City with family, friends, and supporters, expressed gratitude to the residents of Plant City for their support and looks forward to serving as the newest representative on the City Commission.
“Over the past few months, I’ve had the chance to meet and listen to so many of our residents and local business owners about the future of Plant City,” Haney said Tuesday night. “I’m ready to get started and continue the effort to make our City the best place to live, work, and play.”
The runoff election followed the April municipal election, in which no candidate secured the majority required to win outright. Kerr and Smith advanced from a four-candidate field in Group 3, while Haney and Henry moved on to the runoff in Group 4.
Turnout remained modest but higher than expected for a municipal runoff, with voters casting ballots at City of Plant City City Hall and through early voting and vote-by-mail options. Voters cast 3,809 ballots, a 17.25% voter turnout, nearly double the turnout of the 2023 municipal election. Election officials reported no major issues at polling locations on Tuesday. The unofficial results don’t include provisional ballots or mail ballots pending signature cure.
The races drew attention across eastern Hillsborough County as Plant City continues to experience residential and commercial growth alongside the broader expansion of the Tampa Bay region.
The newly elected commissioners are expected to be sworn in at the next scheduled City Commission meeting.
