TAMPA, FL – Hundreds of Tampa Bay residents turned out today for Tampa Bay Chamber’s 2026 Political Hob Nob, presented by St. Joseph's Hospital of BayCare Health System. Held this year at TPepin's Hospitality Centre, the event ran from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., drawing a steady stream of attendees who cast votes in the on-location straw poll, met candidates face-to-face, and asked them how they will support the issues that matter most to them.
Today’s straw poll included candidates in races across Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas Counties, from the Governor's race to county commission and school board seats.
Click here to see full results of the 2026 Hob Nob Straw Poll in federal, state and local races.
The Chamber's premier event is hosted every two years, aligned with the election cycle. It's part of a series of activities and advocacy work done on behalf of the business community's interests and the Chamber's member companies. More than 50 candidates and hundreds of constituents took part in meet-and-greets throughout the event.
An informed and engaged electorate is essential to a strong community and a strong business climate,” said Jeff Chernoff, IAT and Co-Chair of the Tampa Bay Chamber’s Policy Council. “The Political Hob Nob gives our members and the broader community an opportunity to connect directly with candidates, learn more about those seeking to represent them, and better understand the issues shaping our region’s future. The Chamber is proud to serve as a nonpartisan convener and create opportunities that encourage meaningful civic engagement.” The Tampa Bay Chamber is nonpartisan and does not endorse or support any candidate. Straw poll results reflect the opinions of attendees only and do not represent an endorsement by the organization or its membership.
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors
The Chamber thanks the sponsors whose support made this year's event possible:
Presented By
Gold Sponsors
- Amgen Inc.
- Port Tampa Bay
- RSA Consulting Group
- Spectrum (Charter Communications)
- Tampa Electric (TECO)
Media Sponsor
Participating Candidates
Candidates who participated in the 2026 Hob Nob included:
Dean Abrams for Governor
Louie Aguila for Circuit Court Judge, Circuit 13, Group 7
Mike Beltran for U.S. Congress, FL CD - 14
Gus Bilirakis for U.S. Congress, FL CD - 12
Jacqueline Coffie-Leeks for State Representative, District 63
Harry Cohen for Hillsborough County Commission, District 1
Elizabeth "Liz" Constantine for Circuit Court Judge, Circuit 6, Group 39
Fentrice Driskell for State Senator, District 16
Kenneth Gay for Hillsborough County School Board, District 6
Karen Gonzalez Pittman for State Representative, District 65
Stacy Hahn for Hillsborough County Commission, District 5
Christopher Irizarry for U.S. Congress, FL CD - 15
Elizabeth "Liz" Jack for Circuit Court Judge, Circuit 6, Group 44
Berny Jacques for State Representative, District 59
David Jolly for Governor
Traci Koster for State Representative, District 66
Brian Lambert for U.S. Congress, FL CD - 14
Laurel Lee for U.S. Congress, FL CD - 15
John Liccione for U.S. Congress, FL CD - 13
Brittany Lyssy for Hillsborough County School Board, District 2
Neil Manimala for Hillsborough County Commission, District 5
Nina McGucken Alvarez for Circuit Court Judge, Circuit 13, Group 13
Brian Nathan for State Senator, District 14
Daniel Nokovich for Governor
Michael Owen for State Representative, District 70
Sara Peacock for Circuit Court Judge, Circuit 13, Group 7
Robert People for U.S. Congress, FL CD - 15
Karen Perez for Hillsborough County School Board, District 6
Neelam Perry for United States Senator
John Peters for U.S. Congress, FL CD - 14
Dr. Ed Pope for U.S. Congress, FL CD - 16
Paul Renner for Governor
Brandt Robinson for U.S. Congress, FL CD - 13
Rocky Rochford for U.S. Congress, FL CD - 14
Aileen Rodriguez for Hillsborough County Commission, District 7
Frank Russo for Governor
Conrad Schupay for State Representative, District 63
Daniela Simic for Hillsborough County School Board, District 2
Gavriel Soriano for U.S. Congress, FL CD - 14
Kevin Steele for U.S. Congress, FL CD - 14
Cindy Stuart for Hillsborough County Commission, District 7
Chris Taylor for Hillsborough County School Board, District 2
Josie Tomkow for State Senator, District 14
Bea Valenti for U.S. Congress, FL CD - 14
Stephanie Vazquez for Pasco County Commission, District 2
Dan Weldon for State Representative, District 64
Sally Williamson for Hillsborough County School Board, District 6
Jim Wimsatt for Circuit Court Judge, Circuit 13, Group 13
Joshua Wostal for Hillsborough County Commission, District 7
Please Note: Participating candidates listed above registered their campaigns for the 2026 Political Hob Nob. In some instances, the candidate may not have been personally in attendance and may instead have been represented by members of their campaign staff.