TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa mayoral candidate David Straz pushed back Wednesday against current Tampa mayor Bob Buckhorn, Buckhorn's endorsement of Straz's opponent, Jane Castor, and Buckhorn's criticism of the way Straz is running his campaign.

On Wednesday Buckhorn joined Castor at WaterWorks Park in Tampa to announce his endorsement of his former police chief.

“There is only one person in this race who is equipped, who is prepared, who is ready to be the mayor of this great city,” Buckhorn said.

Response from Straz

After hearing about Buckhorn's endorsement, Straz sent Spectrum Bay News 9 a news release from 2011, when Straz endorsed Buckhorn in his campaign for mayor.

In that release, Buckhorn said "Mr. Straz has long held Tampa's best interests in his heart."

"I have the greatest respect for [Buckhorn] and I would hope that he would share the same about me,” Straz said Wednesday during a press conference at Julian B. Lane Park.

Eight years later, however, Buckhorn has been critical of Straz for negative campaigning and the millions Straz has spent on the race.

“The vote for mayor is a very personal decision — you cannot buy it,” Buckhorn said.

Will not concede

Straz said he plans to spend whatever is necessary and run an honest campaign.

“This is a free country,” Straz said. “You can do whatever you want to do. I plan to run a campaign that’s truthful and honest. If there are things that come up that are negative, if they’re truthful and honest I think it’s perfectly alright.”

Straz got into the run-off with 15.5 percent of the vote on March 5. Castor had 48 percent.

Calling himself an underdog, Straz said there’s still a path to victory.

“You need 50 percent right? I think we can get that,” Straz said. “I’m prepared to run an uphill battle and do what’s necessary to win."

That also means Straz has no plans of backing out of the race.

“I will not concede under any circumstances,” Straz said.