News
Latest updates from the campaign:Building a better Leon County together
Longstanding challenges call for a new direction | David O’Keefe
As you look at your ballot, pay attention to those down-ballot local races. You have a chance to elect
forward-thinking and creative leaders into the government closest to you.
Endorsement: Barbara DeVane endorses David O'Keefe for Leon County Board of County Commissioners
Endorsement: Former Leon County Commissioner, District 5 Bob Rackleff endorses David O’Keefe for Leon County Board of County Commissioners
Tallahassee Democrat:David O'Keefe, Paula DeBoles-Johnson bring differing visions to county District 5 run-off
On Tuesday, roughly a quarter of the votes in a razor-thin race went to all four candidates vying for the seat. Political newcomers David O'Keefe and Paula DeBoles-Johnson amassed enough votes to qualify for a run-off in November's general election.
WFSU: After a tight race in Leon County District Five, two candidates rise to the top
David O’Keefe and Paula DeBoles-Johnson will face off in November for County Commission District 5—the seat currently held by mayoral candidate Kristin Dozier.
VOTE on Tuesday August 23rd! Find your polling location here
Tomorrow Tuesday August 23, is Election Day at your assigned polling location from 7 am - 7 pm. Make your voice count and #VOTElocal! Check your polling location here:
https://www.leonvotes.gov/YourVoterinfo.
For any voting questions call the Leon County Supervisor of Elections at (850) 606-8683.
Endorsement: Yolanda Pourciau | Prof Speaker/Activist
Tallahassee Democrat: Want to know what a candidate stands for? Follow the money | David O’Keefe
They make it easy - click on candidate names at this link to view their contribution reports.
Our campaign is making the 2022 Carbon Neutral Campaign Pledge
I, David O’Keefe, pledge to run a carbon neutral campaign by including carbon reduction strategies in our daily activities, tracking our carbon footprint, and offsetting our carbon footprint with investments in programs that mitigate the impact of carbon emissions on the environment.
Please note: As a 501(c)3 organization, Sustainable Tallahassee, Inc. does not endorse political candidates or campaigns. Candidates who commit to carbon neutrality may receive technical assistance from Sustainable Tallahassee upon request, but this assistance should not be viewed as an endorsement of those candidates by the organization.
Endorsement: Florida NOW (National Organization for Women) PAC
Endorsement: City Commissioner Jacqueline “Jack” Porter Endorses David O’Keefe for Leon County Commission District 5
WATCH: WFSU, Tallahassee Democrat, and League of Women Voters Debate
Watch the full-length debate for Leon County Commission District Five. You will see how our campaign of putting people first stands out among the candidates.
USAToday: Florida appeals judge's order to block abortion law, leaving in place new 15-week law
Tallahassee Democrat: Going for the vacant seat: Candidates debate future for Leon County Commission District 5
The race to represent Leon County Commission District 5 is a toss up as four candidates vie for the vacant seat.
They made their pitches to voters and fielded questions Tuesday in a joint forum hosted by the Tallahassee Democrat, WFSU and the League of Women Voters. The incumbent, County Commissioner Kristin Dozier, is running for Tallahassee Mayor.
The district stretches from downtown Tallahassee east to the Jefferson County line bordered by Mahan Drive and Tram Road.
WFSU: Leon County District Five hopefuls talk crime and housing during candidate forum
Four candidates are vying for the Leon County commission seat Kristin Dozier is leaving to run for mayor after three terms. Moderators from WFSU, the Tallahassee Democrat, and the League of Women Voters asked candidates about the major issues facing Leon County.
Tallahassee Democrat: 2022 Election: See who has filed and who has qualified for state and local ballots
David O'Keefe among those candidates to officially qualify for the 2022 election.
Press Release: Debbie Lightsey and Cliff Thaell Endorse David O’Keefe for Leon County Commission District 5
TALLAHASSEE, FL — David O’Keefe, Candidate for County Commissioner District 5, is humbled to have received the endorsements of former Tallahassee Mayor and City Commissioner Debbie Lightsey, and former County Commissioner Cliff Thaell.
Press Release: David O’Keefe Qualifies First for County Commission District 5 Race
TALLAHASSEE, FL — Candidate for County Commissioner David O’Keefe has successfully qualified by petition, officially becoming the first candidate on the ballot in the August 23rd primary election in County District 5...
NAACP town hall seeks solutions for Tallahassee's youth gun violence problem
INSIDER: QUITS DIARIES: Meet 38 people who joined the Great Resignation in search of a more balanced life
David O'Keefe, 36, has had a burden lifted. His $20,000 worth of student loans were wiped out under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. He had been making payments for 10 years.
He left his job as an accountant and decided to run for county commissioner in Tallahassee, Florida — something he said wouldn't have been a possibility without his loan forgiveness.
"I think for a lot of people in my generation, feeling useful and having a sense of purpose is very important," O'Keefe said. "But it's very difficult to do with the realities of our financial situation."
Leon County Request: Broadband Internet Speed Test & Survey for Tallahassee & Leon County
Take a few minutes to complete the internet speed test and take the internet survey in the text of this email from Leon County. We know we have to improve reliable broadband internet service in our community and this info will help us do that. Thank you - David
VIDEO: Power Up People Coalition Florida Housing Crisis Rally
Power Up People Coalition Florida Housing Crisis Rally
Florida State Capitol
Women’s March Florida, Our Revolution Florida, Florida Rising, Florida Poor People’s Campaign, National Action Network, etc.
🔉🔉Pardon the windy background noise 🔉🔉
VIDEO: David O'Keefe comments at Blueprint meeting 2/24/2022
On February 24, 2022 the Blueprint Board approved a $27 million handout for maintenance on the FSU Stadium. Remember this vote when they say we can’t afford affordable housing, we cannot afford to improve our neighborhoods, we cannot afford to help our neighbor, and we cannot afford to fix the biggest problems in our community. What they really mean is we cannot afford to help the people with the leftover crumbs after their projects get funded first! They get the first dibs on our money, and the people get the crumbs.
WFSU: Blueprint funding for Doak Campbell Stadium has been approved
“I can’t believe that we still have commissioners who still are voting against the clear will of the people,” said O’Keefe in an interview after he gave public comment.
UPDATE: Say No To Doak Press Conference
Community Leaders hold a press conference to stand against giving a $27 million handout to FSU for the Doak Campbell Stadium. The people of Tallahassee are making it clear — giving FSU $27 million of our sales tax dollars for a stadium is simply wrong. It’s all about priorities.
`Tallahassee Democrat: Two more Tallahassee Starbucks stores file for union elections
I am proud to support the union drive at our local Starbucks locations.
OurTallahassee: David O’Keefe- VOTE NO ON PROPOSED LEON COUNTY HOMELESSNESS ORDINANCE
Opinion piece in OurTallahassee.com.
Statement on Proposed Homelessness Ordinance - Vote No - Ordinance identifies the problem but offers no solution
On January 25, 2022, the Leon County Commission will consider a proposed ordinance to curb panhandling and other public nuisances. While this problem needs addressing, the proposed ordinance only adds new laws and criminal penalties. Criminalizing a problem does not fix the problem. Vote No and send it back to the drawing board.
Insider / Yahoo News: An accountant got $20,000 in student debt wiped out. 5 months later, he quit his job and ran for office
Insider / Yahoo News: An accountant got $20,000 in student debt wiped out. 5 months later, he quit his job and ran for office.
Tallahassee Democrat: O'Keefe to run for Leon County Commission
Coverage of our campaign launch from the Tallahassee Democrat.
Florida Politics: WFSU CFO David O’Keefe enters crowded race for Kristin Dozier’s seat
Coverage of our campaign launch from FloridaPolitics.com.
News Release - David O’Keefe enters the race for County Commission District Five, saying goodbye to WFSU Public Media
FOR RELEASE January 3, 2022
Tallahassee, Florida - David O’Keefe announces his candidacy for Leon County Commissioner, District Five and resigns from his position at WFSU Public Media...