Berny Jacques backs Sam Wilson for Clearwater City Council to ‘protect conservative values’

State Rep. Berny Jacques is endorsing Sam Wilson for Clearwater City Council.

Wilson is running for Seat 5 to replace outgoing City Council Member Lina Teixeira, who announced in January that she would not seek re-election.

“I’m excited to offer my endorsement of Sam Wilson for Clearwater City Council,” Jacques said. “Clearwater families can trust Sam to protect the conservative values that make our communities strong. He understands that local government should be accountable, spend taxpayer dollars wisely, and back the men and women in law enforcement. I urge Clearwater conservatives to support Sam Wilson for City Council Seat 5.”

Wilson faces two challengers: former Clearwater City Council Member Mark Bunker, an anti-Scientology activist who was unseated in 2024, and Kevin Laughlin, who chairs the Clearwater Marine Advisory Board and operates a local business.

Wilson said he’s honored by Jacques’ endorsement, and praised the lawmaker for his service in Tallahassee representing parts of Pinellas County just south of Clearwater.

“Berny has long been a strong conservative voice for Pinellas County families, and I look forward to working with him to make Clearwater affordable, prosperous, and safe,” Wilson said.

Wilson’s support is stacking up.

Jacques’ endorsement comes after Wilson also secured a nod from a local state lawmaker in the upper chamber, state Sen. Nick DiCeglie. Wilson also earned support from U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis.

Before that, two Pinellas County Commissioners — Chris Latvala and Brian Scott — also offered their endorsements. Prior to that, Wilson also secured support from Commissioners Kathleen Peters, Dave Eggers, Chris Scherer and Vince Nowicki.

Wilson also earned an endorsement last month from Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri. And Wilson earned support in April from the Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association and has endorsements from Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector and former Mayor Frank Hibbard. Wilson also has support from U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, for whom Wilson serves as a congressional staffer.

Wilson has worked with Luna in various roles since mid-2022, first as a scheduler and later as a District Field and Legislative Coordinator. He was promoted to District Director in November 2024. Luna was the first to endorse Wilson.

Wilson also has earned nods from incumbent Clearwater City Council Members David Allbritton, Ryan Cotton and Mike Mannino.

As of the end of May, Wilson had raised nearly $22,000 for his race, and had about $18,000 of that still on hand. That puts him in a much better financial position than either of his opponents. Bunker had raised a little less than $5,000 and Laughlin just $2,000.

Wilson previously told Florida Politics his top priorities include addressing affordability issues in the city and ensuring transparency in city business.

The Clearwater City Council election is Aug. 18. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the top two vote-getters will advance to a Nov. 3 runoff, a result of a charter amendment voters approved in 2024.