Steve Oleksy, a former NHL player and Stanley Cup champion, has filed his candidacy for mayor of Edgewater, Florida, positioning himself as a community‑focused outsider in a race that pits him against a polarizing incumbent.
A hockey legacy meets local politics
Oleksy and his wife Brooke Oleksy moved to Edgewater two years ago, where they raise twin toddlers. The campaign’s slogan, “Even Steven — a voice for everyone,” reflects his promise to listen to residents and preserve the town’s charm.
Incumbent Mayor Diezel DePew, who has held office for several years, has recently been in the spotlight for controversial remarks involving a racial slur and a series of alcohol‑related incidents that have sparked local debate.
The other challenger, retired businessman Wayne McCloskey, brings a different background to the contest, but Oleksy’s emphasis on grassroots engagement has begun to resonate with many voters.
Community roots and future vision
Oleksy’s platform centers on community service, active listening, and safeguarding Edgewater’s unique character, aiming to balance growth with the preservation of the town’s small‑town feel.
Brooke Oleksy, the candidate’s wife and daughter of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, has publicly endorsed the campaign, adding a high‑profile ally to the race.
Before entering local politics, Oleksy spent four seasons in the NHL, capturing a Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins and sharing the locker room with Alex Ovechkin, the league’s all‑time leading goal scorer, who owns a residence near Miami, Florida.
As the November election approaches, Steve Oleksy hopes his blend of athletic discipline, business experience, and personal connection to Edgewater will translate into a win that reshapes the city’s leadership.