Gainesville business owner Abigail Guzman announced Friday afternoon her plan to run for a vacant Gainesville City Council seat.
Former City Councilman George Wangemann announced at a Dec. 19, 2023, city council meeting that he would be resigning from his Ward 4 seat at the end of 2023 amid health concerns. Wangemann had about two years left on his term at the time of his resignation. He had served on the city council for nearly four decades.
The seat is currently vacant. A special election will soon be held to fill the seat, but an exact qualifying period and election date have not been announced. Guzman is the first person to publicly announce her candidacy in that upcoming race.
A press release said Guzman owns Consuelo and Pristine Clean. She is a wife and mother of two. She has served as a WomenSource Board Member and as a member of the Gainesville City School System PTA Board.
Guzman said she plans to use her experience as a small business owner to ensure Gainesville remains conducive for business growth.
"Guzman understands the importance of nurturing environments, advocating for top-tier educational, employment, and recreational resources that empower Gainesville's youth," the press release said. "She believes in cultivating an environment where young talents are inspired to contribute and invest in their community's future."
Additionally, Guzman said her perspective as a Mexican-American woman would offer a diverse voice to the city council.
“Gainesville is my cherished and chosen hometown," Guzman said in a statement. "With enthusiasm and determination, I look forward to continuing my service, striving to make Gainesville an even better place for all its citizens."
