Grassroots activist Naya Young has been elected to the Tampa City Council. The first-time candidate defeated Thomas Scott, who previously held local office in both the city and Hillsborough County.

With mail ballots partially counted, early vote totals completely reported and all but two precincts reporting totals, Young showed a lead too wide to bridge with outstanding votes, at nearly 61% of the vote.

“We are so proud to congratulate Naya Young on her historic win in Tampa’s District 5,” said Christina Diamond, CEO of Ruth’s List Florida, which endorsed her. “Naya represents the kind of fresh leadership our communities need- driven by compassion, grounded in service, and committed to ensuring women have a seat at every table where decisions are made. Her victory is a testament to the power of women’s leadership in shaping Tampa’s future, and Ruth’s List will be with her every step of the way as we continue building momentum for women across Florida.”

As expected, voter turnout was low. As of 6:39 p.m., 21 minutes before polls closed, voter turnout was at just over 11%, or only a little more than 5,000 votes cast. Final voter turnout numbers will be available once all ballots are counted.

Young will fill the remaining term of Gwen Henderson, who passed away this Summer. Young will be sworn in on Friday at 3 p.m.

“We are so proud to congratulate Naya Young on her historic win in Tampa’s District 5,” said Christina Diamond, CEO of Ruth’s List Florida. “Naya represents the kind of fresh leadership our communities need- driven by compassion, grounded in service, and committed to ensuring women have a seat at every table where decisions are made. Her victory is a testament to the power of women’s leadership in shaping Tampa’s future, and Ruth’s List will be with her every step of the way as we continue building momentum for women across Florida.”

Young has been a grassroots activist since she was a teenager, canvassing for the campaign of former Democratic Sen. James Hargrett before later working to help elect former Rep. Betty Reed.

She began nonprofit work with the Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association, later becoming the group’s Executive Director. She now serves as a consultant for the group.

Among her advocacy efforts, Young pushed for walkable green spaces, diabetes awareness, and law enforcement reform. She has an undergraduate degree in culture and media communication from the University of South Florida and a master’s degree in political science from Howard University. She also received a nonprofit management certification from the University of Tampa.

Young’s victory comes despite being out-funded in the race. Scott was the top fundraiser, with nearly $95,000 raised as of Oct. 23. Young had raised just over $41,000 by that same point.

Young found herself in the runoff against Scott after finishing second in the Special Election last month. 

The two survived a crowded Primary, when a dozen names were on the ballot and a 13th candidate filed as a write-in. The jam-packed race meant votes were spread thin, with Scott collecting 27% and Young 13%. Because neither reached the 50% plus one vote threshold needed to avert a runoff, voters are now hitting the polls a second time.

District 5 covers parts of downtown, East Tampa, Ybor City and parts of West Tampa.

Scott served as a County Commissioner from late 1996 through 2006 and ran again in 2020, ultimately losing in a crowded Democratic Primary to Gwen Myers, who continues to hold the seat. Scott also previously served on the Tampa City Council from 2007 to 2011.

Scott is also the senior pastor for the 34th Street Church of God. He holds an undergraduate degree in criminal justice and corrections from the University of North Florida.

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