Former state senator Loranne Ausley launched her run for Tallahassee Mayor at Proof Brewing Company Tuesday night.
Just a year ago, Ausley suffered a traumatic brain injury while participating in a triathlon in Panama City. Now, she says after a long road to recovery, she is ready to jump back into public service.
“It was a very long and taxing year on my family, and I went lots of therapies and, you know, but this is my home, and I love it, and I feel like I have something left to give,” she said.
Ausley, a Democrat, lost her reelection bid to the state senate in 2022 to Republican Corey Simon. On Tuesday night, she told a crowd of volunteers, campaign donors and Tallahassee residents she wants to focus on strengthening Tallahassee.
“This has always been an incredible place to call home and to raise a family, but I think we're ready to move to the next level. We're ready for leadership that's focused on building a stronger, a safer and a more vibrant Tallahassee for everyone,” she said.
One of the biggest needs, she says, is creating a local economy where younger people stay in town after graduating.
“Where small businesses grow, entrepreneurs feel supported, our colleges, our universities and the mag lab continue to spark new ideas and good paying jobs keep talent right here a city,” she said.
When asked how she plans to do that, she said she doesn’t have all the answers but will spend her time on the campaign trail speaking with residents to hear their thoughts.
While speaking with reporters during the launch party, she weighed in on the proposed partnership between FSU and Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare that has captured headlines over the past several months.
“You know, I think we all recognize that a partnership with Florida State is really important. I mean, my son was born and lived at TMH for four months. I just did therapy for six months at TMH. You know, it's a very important place to me, and , I think it's important to talk, listen to all sides. I think the devil is in the details, and that's, you know, these back and forth. It's very interesting to watch, and I'm listening, and, you know, I think it's important,” she said.
City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow, another candidate in the race, has strongly criticized the partnership, saying it would give up local control of the hospital to the state.
Attorney Daryl Parks is also vying for the job. All three candidates have not struggled to find their financial supporters even in this early stage of the 2026 election cycle, raising a combined $230,000 already.