City & town

Mayor, City of Lakeland

Vote for: 1
Candidates: 2
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: The mayor heads the City of Lakeland's government and presides over its Board of Commissioners.

Nonpartisan.

Candidates Compare by issue

Taxes & budget

Connie McCarterNo party listed
- Opposes tax increases for Lakeland residents
Josh RomanNo party listed
- Supports keeping Lakeland's property tax rate at $0.94In office

Public safety

Connie McCarterNo party listed
- Supports neighborhood watch programs using already-appropriated funds
Josh RomanNo party listed
- Supports the city's local patrol partnership with the sheriffIn office

Economy & jobs

Connie McCarterNo party listed
- Supports growth that strengthens the tax base without straining services
Josh RomanNo party listed
- Supports using Highway 70 commercial revenue to offset residential costsIn office

Roads & infrastructure

Connie McCarterNo party listed
- Supports road maintenance investment in every Lakeland neighborhood
Josh RomanNo party listed
- Supports eliminating Lakeland's failing residential roads by 2030In office

Environment & parks

Connie McCarterNo party listed
- Supports protecting trees, terrain and green space in development
Josh RomanNo party listed
- Supports a YMCA-partnered community center and aquatic facilityIn office

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 5 issues covered in this race.