Capital Tiger Bay Club Hosts
City Commission Seat 3
General Election Debate
Monday, September 21, 2026, | 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Donald L. Tucker Civic Center
Capital Tiger Bay Club kicks off its 2026 General Election Debate Series on Monday, September 21, as we host PJ Perez and Tom Derzypolski, the two candidates for Tallahassee City Commission Seat 3, ahead of the Tuesday, November 3 Midterm Election.
The candidates emerged from a competitive six-person Primary, with Perez advancing directly to the General Election and Derzypolski securing the second spot following an extraordinarily close recount. After both machine and manual recounts, the final margin for the second General Election spot was just 15 votes.
Tallahassee City Commission Seat 3 is an at-large seat, meaning voters citywide will have the opportunity to decide who represents them on the Commission. Perez and Derzypolski will discuss their vision for Tallahassee, key issues facing the city and its residents, and why they are seeking the opportunity to serve on the City Commission.
The September 21 program marks the first in Capital Tiger Bay Club’s 2026 General Election Debate Series leading up to the November 3 Midterm Election and continues the Club’s longstanding tradition of providing members and guests an opportunity to hear directly from candidates before casting their ballots.
In the week leading up to the event, members will have the opportunity to submit questions for consideration by moderator Tristan Wood of WFSU.
We hope you will join us for this important and informative program.
About the Candidates
Tom Derzypolski
Tom Derzypolski is a proud Tallahassee resident, devoted husband, father, grandfather, Navy Veteran, and small business owner whose personal priorities are simple: faith, family, and community—in that order. Those values guide every decision he makes and inspire his commitment to public service.
With a career in communications, Tom has built a reputation for responsible leadership, sound financial management, and solving problems through common sense—not politics. He understands that every tax dollar belongs to the people who earned it and is committed to ensuring city government spends those dollars wisely.
As a candidate for the Tallahassee City Commission, Tom is running to bring greater fiscal accountability, increase transparency, support public safety, encourage responsible economic growth, and preserve the quality of life that makes Tallahassee a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Grounded in his faith and dedicated to serving others, Tom believes Tallahassee deserves principled leadership that listens, leads with integrity, and always puts taxpayers first.
PJ Perez
PJ Perez moved to Tallahassee in 2003 and graduated from FSU in 2005 with a degree in Anthropology. He served as an AmeriCorps VISTA from 2006-2007, providing access to computers, tutoring, mentoring, and a community space to the Apalachee Ridge Estates neighborhood.
He taught world history and U.S. history at SAIL High School from 2010 to 2023. At SAIL, he developed after- school music and video production programs, supported environmental education initiatives, and helped lead large community events focused on sustainability and local ecology. He now teaches at Tallahassee Collegiate Academy, where students can earn a diploma as well as an associate degree at no cost—work that has deepened his commitment to equity and opportunity.
His wife is a small business owner, and they’re raising two young children. As a husband, parent, and educator, he understands the experiences and challenges facing working families and local businesses.
Running for Tallahassee City Commission is a natural extension of a life rooted in public service, education, and community engagement. His experience working in classrooms, community centers, and grassroots initiatives has prepared him to listen, lead, and help build a Tallahassee that works for everyone.
About the Moderator
Tristan Wood
Tristan Wood is a senior producer and host with WFSU Public Media. A South Florida native and University of Florida graduate, he focuses on state government in the Sunshine State as well as Tallahassee and Panhandle political happenings.
Prior to joining the WFSU team, Tristan spent three years covering the legislature with outlets including Florida Politics, City & State Florida, and Fresh Take Florida.
He also is an adjunct professor at Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication, where he teaches journalism fundamentals and fact-finding.
When he’s not on the airwaves, Tristan is exploring Tallahassee parks with his pit bull, String Bean, going to electronic music events, or talking with someone somewhere about film.
We ask members to PLEASE RSVP as soon as you can and NO LATER THAN Thursday, September 17th which allows us to plan for seating and service at the event.
Guest fee for this program is $35. Please RSVP at your earliest convenience so we may provide an accurate headcount for food and beverage.
We look forward to seeing you on Monday, September 21st!
Please contact Debby Kent at debby.kent16@gmail.com or call 850-320-2019, if you have any questions about registration.
Become a Capital Tiger Bay Club Member
Click Here: Capital Tiger Bay Membership Application