Born on February 28, 1961, Donna Elizabeth Deegan has blazed a trail in American politics as a Democratic leader, author, breast cancer survivor, and advocate. She is currently serving as Jacksonville, Florida's mayor, a testament to her tenacity and leadership.
Deegan hails from Jacksonville's south side, where she completed her high school education at Bishop Kenny High School before attending Florida State University. There, she earned a bachelor's degree in communications in 1984. From anchoring the morning news for WTXL-TV in Tallahassee to becoming the West Palm Bureau Chief for WTVX in Fort Pierce, Deegan's career in journalism was a diverse one. Eventually, she found her way back to Jacksonville, anchoring WTLV's weekend broadcasts and later, the 5:30 and 11 p.m. newscasts.
Deegan is a beacon of hope for breast cancer patients as a three-time survivor of the disease. Her first battle began in 1999, with subsequent occurrences in 2002 and 2007. To support local women with breast cancer, she founded The Donna Foundation. In 2007, another setback came her way when a CT scan revealed a small lesion in her lower left lung, confirmed as cancerous. Despite this, Deegan once again confronted the disease with bravery and underwent treatment, including chemotherapy.
In collaboration with Mayo Clinic, Deegan launched the 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer in 2006. The inaugural run in February 2008 saw over 7,000 runners and raised over $800,000, benefiting Mayo Clinic and women living with breast cancer.
Donna Deegan entered the political arena in 2019, running for Florida's 4th congressional district. Despite losing to Republican incumbent John Rutherford, Deegan remained resolute, focusing her campaign on healthcare, climate change, and gun violence prevention.
In 2023, she decided to run for mayor of Jacksonville. After a closely fought election, Deegan triumphed over Republican Daniel Davis in May, becoming the first female mayor of Jacksonville. Her victory was celebrated by Democrats across Florida, boosting the party's morale. Despite facing accusations about her participation in the Black Lives Matter demonstrations, Deegan stood her ground, promising to bring about change in a city dominated by Republicans.
Over the years, Deegan has been recognized for her contributions to her community. She received the Jacksonville Business Journal Women of Influence Award in 2004 and the Enterprising Women's Leadership Award in 2005. She is also an accomplished author, with her book, The Good Fight, detailing her personal battle with breast cancer.
Deegan's personal life reflects her commitment to service and family. She is a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church in Jacksonville Beach. She has two children from her second marriage to Dan Hicken, Action News Jax sports director. She later married Tim Deegan, First Coast News chief meteorologist.
In May 2023, Deegan's election as mayor marked a turning point in Jacksonville's history. Her victory not only broke gender barriers but also signified a shift towards Democratic leadership in the city. As mayor, Deegan has committed to increasing transparency and promoting unity across party lines. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, signaling a new dawn in Jacksonville's political landscape.
