New Port Richey voters will head to the polls on April 14 to decide if incumbent Mayor Chopper Davis deserves another term, or if one of his three challengers will take the reins. The municipal election is nonpartisan, and Pasco County residents will have the opportunity to choose their next mayor.
Incumbent Mayor Chopper Davis has served three terms on the city council beginning in 2013 before being elected mayor in 2023 by a 13-vote margin, earning 48% of the vote. Davis’ father was in the Air Force, so he lived in or visited 49 states and attended high school in Bermuda before arriving in New Port Richey, where he says he finally found a hometown. Davis is also active with non-profits.
When asked why he is running, Davis said, “To serve my friends and neighbors, continue the economic development that I started in 2013, create more economic opportunities for New Port Richey residents, promote public safety, manage city services, and foster community trust with open door policy.” Some of his biggest accomplishments during his first term include the redevelopment of Railroad Square, purchase of Schwettman Education Center, and construction of Fire Station #2 and the Robert M. Rivera Fleet Maintenance Facility.
Davis identified rapid growth and traffic congestion, environmental challenges and concerns, and weather and tides causing flooding as the biggest challenges facing New Port Richey. His top priorities for another term include continuing to lower the ad valorem tax and continuing economic development.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
