TAMPA–Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner recently announced the official kickoff of his campaign for clerk of court in 2016.
Beckner is winding down his second term as commissioner. Term limits prevent him from seeking re-election as commissioner.
He is challenging incumbent Pat Frank, who has served as clerk of court since 2004.
Beckner, 44, was elected to the county commission in 2008 as Hillsborough’s first openly gay elected official. He was re-elected in 2012.
Fellow Democrat Frank has said she intends to seek re-election.
“The clerk of the court acts as the chief financial officer for the county,” said Beckner. “He manages the county’s investment portfolio and serves as both auditor and recorder. My 16 years as a certified financial planner will be a great asset to bring to this position.”
Beckner said the clerk is also responsible for maintaining county court records, explaining that his technical expertise helped integrate computing platforms for the juvenile welfare system.
Frank, 85, is a former county commissioner and state legislator. She was first elected clerk of the circuit court in 2004 and was re-elected in 2008 and 2012 without opposition.
During his tenure as county commissioner, Beckner became a staunch advocate of LGBT rights. He led the fight for a human rights ordinance, a new domestic partner registry and a repeal of the county’s ban on recognizing Pride events.
He also championed several public safety initiatives, including the formation of a county violence-prevention program.
Beckner said that when he first considered running for county commissions there were political consultants that told him not to reveal his sexual orientation.
“I ran openly and honestly about who and what I am and I believe the voters responded the way they did because they want political representatives who have integrity and will be honest with them,” said Beckner. “Voters want someone they can trust. If you are lying to them about who you are then how can you expect them to trust you in the role you are seeking?”
Beckner said his spouse, Tampa Police officer Gil Sainz, has stood by him.
“It can be tough because the job often requires you to be away from your spouse more than either of you would like,” Beckner said. “It’s critical to have the support at home or it doesn’t work. Gil has been wonderful and very supportive of everything I do. I couldn’t do it without that.”
Becker received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Indiana University in 1993.
Gregg Stemm of Watermark Online contributed to this report.
