by Staff
Gate Petroleum vice president John Peyton took another step toward running for mayor Wednesday when he opened a campaign account.
Peyton joins a growing field that includes City Council members Alberta Hipps and Ginger Soud and former Jacksonville Economic Development Commission executive director and Super Bowl Host Committee president Mike Weinstein, who are all Republicans. Former mayor Tommy Hazouri is also considering entering the race.
Though opening a campaign account was not a public declaration of his intentions to run for mayor, Peyton did sign a form declaring his candidacy.
One possible reason for entering the race now could be financial. Local political experts are predicting it could take as much as $2 million to run a successful campaign. With three announced candidates in the race already and campaign dollars expected to be tight, the other candidates have said getting a head start is crucial.
The election to replace Mayor John Delaney, who is prohibited from running again because of term limits, is still 13 months away.
Peyton, who has never held elected office, has served as chairman of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority.
Peyton’s father, Herb, built the Gate empire over the last 30 years and the company’s holdings now include convenience stores, a large oil business and ownership of the Ponte Vedra Inn and Lodge and Epping Forest Yacht Club.
Peyton is expected to have the backing of a strong contingent from the business community, many of whom helped Ed Austin and Delaney become the city’s chief executive. He could draw much of the support that many thought would go to Weinstein.