My name is Tom DeGeorge.

When I was a kid, my dad told me I could be anything I wanted to be if I believed in myself and that I should never accept the limitations others tried to place on me. As a teenager, I started boxing; before my first fight, I told my boxing coach I was afraid I’d lose and be embarrassed in front of the crowd. He’s the one who introduced me to Teddy Roosevelt’s “Man In The Arena” speech — if I fought valiantly, I had already won no matter what. And that’s how I’ve lived my life, as a fighter for the causes I care about and the people I love most.

I came to Ybor as a young man to pursue my dreams. In 2001, I met Don Barco who taught me Tampa’s rich history and instilled in me a sense of responsibility to the community. It isn’t enough to thrive in Tampa - you have to pass it along and make sure Tampa itself thrives, along with every Tampeño in it. I took that to heart, and I spent the next two decades on projects like YMA (Young Musicians and Artists), Ybor Chamber of Commerce, YCDC (Ybor City Development Corporation), Ybor’s Venue Safety plan, the Safe & Sound program, Save Our Stages. My venue, the Crowbar, has been home to hundreds of organizers and activists fighting to make our city better with rallies and benefit shows that raised hurricane relief funds and raised awareness about vital issues.

I fell in love, marrying my wife Amy, an amazing educator helping to nurture the next generation. I have lived my Tampa dream. We have lived our Tampa dream. But too many haven't.

The City of Tampa is at a crossroads. A few people are thriving at the expense of the working class people who keep this city going, and folks who have called Tampa home for generations are getting pushed out of our city because they can’t afford it. Our roads are mired in potholes, our public transit is struggling, and we have entire communities in a food desert. If we allow Tampa to only function for those at the top, we will lose what truly makes Tampa great - the people. And that’s why I’m running.

I want to fight to make sure everyone can achieve their Tampa dream. I want to fight for your demands, to make the city more affordable, more accessible, and safer. When we fight together, we win. Together, we can all thrive. Together - we can be a force for change.