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Coral Springs city commissioner Joshua Simmons launches campaign to challenge incumbent mayor Scott Brook in upcoming election

Coral Springs, Florida – Coral Springs is set for a highly competitive mayoral race as City Commissioner Joshua Simmons officially launched his campaign to unseat incumbent Mayor Scott Brook on Monday. Simmons, who has served on the city commission since 2018, framed his campaign as a call for “a forward-thinking, people-centered vision for the future.”

The announcement comes shortly after Mayor Brook signed paperwork indicating he will seek another term, setting the stage for a contest between two well-established local politicians. Voters will be tasked with choosing who will lead the city for the next four years, weighing experience, accomplishments, and a vision for Coral Springs’ growth and development.

Simmons has a history of breaking barriers and taking on leadership roles. He was the first Black commissioner elected in Coral Springs and has held the position of vice mayor during his tenure. After winning re-election in 2022, term limits now prevent him from running for the same commission seat again, prompting his decision to pursue the mayor’s office.

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Beyond the city commission, Simmons has been active in regional and national leadership. He has represented Coral Springs on the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization and served on the National League of Cities Board of Directors, most recently as chair of the league’s federal advocacy committee. These positions allowed him to advocate for funding and initiatives benefiting both Coral Springs and the broader community.

In his campaign announcement, Simmons highlighted several tangible achievements. He pointed to securing more than $50 million in outside funding for local projects and nearly $10 million specifically directed toward transportation and mobility improvements. His platform emphasizes smart and sustainable growth, affordability, protecting taxpayer dollars, and ensuring that police and fire departments are fully funded to maintain public safety.

“Local government is where people feel the impact of leadership most directly,” Simmons said. “Whether it’s the condition of our roads, the safety of our neighborhoods, or how city services respond when people need help.” This focus on everyday issues and public service underscores his campaign strategy of connecting with residents on matters that affect their daily lives.

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Simmons’ campaign will likely appeal to voters seeking continuity in experienced leadership combined with a fresh vision for the city’s future. While Mayor Brook brings the advantage of incumbency, Simmons’ record of securing funding and his active role in local and national municipal initiatives position him as a formidable challenger.

The election will also highlight the growing importance of voter engagement in Coral Springs. With both candidates bringing significant experience and community involvement to the race, residents will be called upon to evaluate not only policy achievements but also how each candidate plans to address the city’s long-term needs.

Coral Springs voters are scheduled to go to the polls on November 3. The mayoral race promises to be closely watched, as it will determine the leadership direction of the city for the coming four years and set the tone for how Coral Springs tackles growth, public safety, and community development in the years ahead.

 

Raymond Simpson

Raymond Simpson is a California native, a longtime Coral Springs resident, and the Editor at TSFD. He lives with his family in Coral Springs, where you can find him on weekends running – literally running – with his two golden retrievers.

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