Steven Oleksy, a former Washington Capitals defenseman who earned the moniker "the Mayor" for his affable, community‑focused presence on the ice, has filed paperwork to run for mayor of Edgewater, Florida.
The 30‑year‑old defenseman, who later skated for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks, credits his hockey journeys with teaching him the value of collective input and the perils of over‑development he witnessed in other municipalities.
Oleksy’s campaign is not driven by partisan ambition but by a desire to preserve the small‑town charm of Edgewater while guiding its growth in a way that reflects the wishes of its residents. He is challenging incumbent mayor Diezel DePew, who was first elected in 2022.
The candidate’s personal life also led him to Florida. In 2018 he met his wife, Brooke Hogan, and, following the death of her father, the wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, the couple relocated to the Sunshine State, where they discovered Edgewater’s natural beauty and simple living.
Drawing on his experiences watching cities grapple with rapid change, Oleksy says he wants to ensure that Edgewater’s future is shaped by the community rather than by external pressures. He envisions a city where his children can grow up proud of their hometown.
A Hockey Veteran's New Arena
Oleksy’s background includes stints in the ECHL with the Toledo Walleye and the Orlando Solar Bears, experiences that broadened his perspective on regional sports culture and community engagement.
He has cited the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks organizations as formative influences, and he now hopes to bring the same collaborative spirit to municipal governance.
The campaign’s message resonates with voters who appreciate his outsider‑yet‑community‑rooted approach, and it underscores a broader narrative of athletes transitioning into public service.