OCALA, Fla. (July 18, 2025) – The City of Ocala has confirmed the candidates who have officially qualified for the upcoming Special Election scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 16. The Special Election will fill the offices of Mayor, City Council District 1, City Council District 3, and City Council District 5.
The qualifying period for the Special Election concluded at noon today following a thorough review of each candidate’s qualification materials by the City Clerk and City Attorney, as well as petition verification conducted by the Marion County Supervisor of Elections Office. The City then formally reported the following slate of qualified candidates to the Supervisor of Elections:
Mayor:
- Ben Marciano (Incumbent)
- Zachary “Arbor” Feliciano
City Council District 1:
- Barry Mansfield (Incumbent)
City Council District 3:
- Jay Musleh (Incumbent)
- Mark Clark
- TamBoura Jenkins
City Council District 5:
- James “Jim” Hilty, Sr. (Incumbent)
The official reporting allows the Supervisor of Elections to move forward with preparation on the same timeline as the originally scheduled General Election.
The Special Election was called after it was determined that no candidates from the original qualifying period had strictly complied with Florida law regarding the payment of qualifying fees.
A new proclamation was issued on July 14, calling for the Special Election to proceed as originally scheduled. A second qualifying period was held and managed by the City Clerk’s Office in accordance with the procedures approved by City Council on July 15.
If necessary, a runoff election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 18.
Voters are encouraged to visit www.votemarion.gov for additional election information.
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