Bob Buckhorn Opts Out of Running for Governor in 2018

The Democratic primary field for the 2018 gubernatorial race will be a little less crowded -- on Thursday, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn announced he would not be running for the job despite being widely rumored to make a bid next year. 

"I am not planning to be a candidate for Governor in 2018,” Buckhorn wrote to his supporters. “While I absolutely believe that the State of Florida needs a course correction and a new direction, the timing for me and my family would be a challenge. As the father of two daughters who are 15 and 11, the all consuming task of running for Governor would cause me to miss the milestones in their lives that I could never get back.”

Buckhorn was widely speculated to be one of the top contenders for the Democratic primary. He's enjoyed widespread success as the Mayor of Tampa, one of the largest cities in Florida. 

The 58 year-old said he wanted to focus on finishing out his time as mayor rather than jump into a race for higher office. 

“For me, finishing Tampa’s next chapter is more important than starting mine," Buckhorn said. "Absent extenuating circumstances, I intend to finish the job I was hired to do and prepare Tampa for the great things that are about to occur.”

Buckhorn said he also was taking his name out of the running to focus more on spending time with his family. 

"As the father of two daughters who are 15 and 11, the all consuming task of running for Governor would cause me to miss the milestones in their lives that I could never get back," he wrote. 

Buckhorn's decision to opt out of the race leaves the Democratic primary field a little smaller, but likely not for long. 

Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum recently declared he would run for the job last week.  Orlando businessman Chris King also said he was all in for the Democratic primary and jumped in the race as well. 

Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine is also expected to run and Orlando uber lawyer John Morgan is also rumored to be seeking the Democratic bid. 

Former congresswoman Gwen Graham is also in talks to be running for the top spot in Florida office. Graham has been making calls to local Democratic officials, burgeoning up support for her bid. 

"Bob Buckhorn is an extraordinary leader who has transformed one of Florida's and America's great cities," Graham told Sunshine State News. "His successful service in Tampa shows what Florida can accomplish if we work together and focus on creating economic opportunity and improving quality of life for families. I am fortunate to call Bob a good friend and look forward to his continued leadership in the Tampa Bay region and all of Florida."

At this point, Graham's decision to run is not as much a matter of if as a matter of when. 

With his name out of the race, Buckhorn vowed to support whichever candidate would lead Florida on the path to success. 

"This is a pivotal election for our state and I stand ready to lend my voice to those who would articulate a message that would unite us as a state behind a common vision that ensures that we leave Florida to our children, not a state of diminished possibilities, but a state of unlimited opportunities," he said. 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.