Voters in New Port Richey and Port Richey chose to keep their current mayors in office during municipal elections Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Chopper Davis secured another term as New Port Richey mayor while John Eric Hoover retained his position in Port Richey, both defeating their challengers by comfortable margins.
Davis earned 43% of the vote with 640 of the 1,490 total votes cast in New Port Richey’s mayoral race. He defeated three challengers: Marlowe Jones who received 22.55%, Daisy Thomas with 19.6%, and Kelly Mothershead Timmons who garnered 14.9%. In Port Richey, Hoover cruised to victory with 61% of the vote, receiving 263 votes to defeat Linda Rodriguez.
Before becoming mayor in April 2023, Davis served nine years on New Port Richey’s City Council and currently serves on several intergovernmental boards including Tampa Bay Water. The longtime business owner established and operated Jilly’s Tavern on Main Street for nine years. He also worked with the Center for Independence managing a sheltered workshop for developmentally delayed adults and at Card Connect, a credit card processing company for commercial accounts.
Davis campaigned on continuing economic development throughout the city, promoting a business-friendly atmosphere that supports tourism, creating safe and walkable neighborhoods, and maintaining the boat dock as a central city feature. Hoover, who has served as Port Richey mayor since 2023, owns Hoover Investments, an IT services and consulting company. He chairs the Port Richey Community Redevelopment Agency Board and the Port Richey Events Committee, while serving in leadership roles on several other boards throughout Pasco County and the Tampa Bay area.
Originally reported by Suncoast News – Dade City
Sources: Suncoast News – Dade City
