Daniel Davis, president and CEO of the JAX Chamber, files to run for mayor of Jacksonville in 2023

The president and CEO of the JAX Chamber has filed to run for mayor of Jacksonville in 2023, Duval County election records show.

Daniel Davis has been president and CEO of the JAX Chamber since 2013, according to his bio on the JAX Chamber site.

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According to Duval County election records, Davis has filed to run as a Republican.

Davis previously served as executive director of the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA), Florida’s largest local membership trade association representing the building and construction industry in Duval, Clay, Nassau and St. Johns counties.

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This wouldn’t be his first foray into local politics -- Davis previously served on the Jacksonville City Council and was elected President of the Council in 2007. His bio states that he was the youngest person to serve in this capacity. He also served for four years in the Florida House of Representatives representing District 15, which encompasses parts of Duval County.

Davis also serves on the board of Enterprise Florida, Space Florida, the St. Johns River Water Management District, First Coast YMCA and the Monique Burr Foundation.

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Davis is married to his wife of 25 years, Rebekah Davis and they have 4 children.

Davis sent Action News Jax’s Ben Becker the following statement about his filing:

“I’ll take on the tough challenges and seize our biggest opportunities because the hardworking people of Jacksonville deserve the same chance I had to succeed in this great city. The ultimate crime fighter is a world class education, the dignity of a job and access to opportunity for everyone.”

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Questions still remain about Davis’ future with the JAX Chamber. As of Thursday afternoon, both Davis’ campaign and a spokesperson for the JAX Chamber tell Ben Becker that Davis is still the CEO.

Becker has spoken to multiple Chamber board members who have expressed concern if Davis remains in his role as CEO while running for Mayor. The main issue is he will likely express partisan views while representing a non-partisan Chamber not to mention drawing his salary.

There appears to be a lot less resistance of board members if Davis was to take a leave of absence. Becker is being told it’s a tough spot for the Chamber because Davis is well liked but they don’t like being in this awkward position.

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One Chamber board member told Becker “they were not informed ahead of Davis filing” and “had no idea until they saw it until it was reported” they added “there should be a discussion with board because he serves at the pleasure of the board.”

That Chamber member added Davis “should stop being paid today.”

An official announcement for Davis’ run for mayor is expected to be held Thursday night at 5:30 p.m. at Tom Nehl Trucking at 417 Edgewood Avenue South in Jacksonville.

Other candidates that have filed to run for mayor in 2023 include:

• Omega Allen (NPA)
• Jacksonville City Councilwoman LeAnna Cumber (R)
• Former TV news anchor Donna Deegan (D)
• Jacksonville City Councilman Al Ferraro (R)
• State Sen. Audrey Gibson (D)
• Frankie Ray Keasler, Jr. (R)
• Darcy G. Richardson (NPA)
• Theresa Ann Richardson (D)

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