John Peyton (U.S. Politician) - Mayor of Jacksonville

Mayor of Jacksonville

Peyton was elected mayor of Jacksonville in 2003. At age 38, Peyton was one of the youngest mayors serving a major city in Florida at the time. Peyton survived a crowded Republican primary and defeated the county's Democratic sheriff, Nat Glover, for the seat in a race that was the most expensive in Jacksonville history. He took office in 2003, succeeding John Delaney. In 2007, Peyton defeated community activist Jackie Brown by a margin over 50% to win a second term. Priorities include solidification of the River Accord, Seeds of Change, and his popular early literacy program RALLY Jacksonville!, aimed at educating four-year-olds.

Peyton was named Episcopal Children's Services (ECS) Children's Champion 2006 in recognition for his early literacy program. The honor was created to recognize a Jacksonville resident who has committed their time and resources to help first coast children.