Bianca Latvala mulling Clearwater City Council bid

Bianca Latvala, a local GOP political strategist and wife of Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala, is seriously considering running for Clearwater City Council.

If she jumps in, she would be running for Seat 4, currently held by David Allbritton. Allbritton is not seeking re-election, so it will be an open race. Allbritton is also a Republican.

“I am interested in running for Clearwater City Council because public service has been a defining calling throughout my life — one I have already been committed to in meaningful and consistent ways. Serving others is not an abstract idea to me; it is work I have done, responsibilities I have carried, and values I have practiced,” Latvala told Florida Politics Friday.

“I want to continue that service by helping protect Clearwater’s quality of life, ensuring our first responders have the support they need, and encouraging thoughtful, responsible development in our downtown and throughout the rest of Clearwater.”

Latvala is affiliated with a political committee established this week, Friends of Bianca. Jamie Jodoin, a prominent Treasurer for candidates, filed paperwork to open the committee Wednesday. She is listed as the registered agent, Chair and Treasurer for the committee. The paperwork did not list a supporting candidate.

Chris Latvala was instrumental in what turned out to be a red wave in Clearwater in the 2024 election cycle. He helped now-Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector get elected, and backed Republican Council members Ryan Cotton and Mike Mannino as they won seats.

The Latvala name has long been synonymous with behind-the-scenes work on behalf of GOP candidates. Chris Latvala’s father, Jack Latvala, is a well-known force in local and state politics once considered one of the most powerful political professionals in Florida.

Allbritton was first elected to the seat in 2018, in which he collected 67% of the vote, according to the city. He won re-election in 2022, earning 56% of the vote in a three-way race.

Allbritton is a contractor and served on the Board of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

Seat 5 is also up for election this year, and will be an open race. Incumbent Lina Teixeira announced this week she would not seek re-election. Sam Wilson, the District Director for Republican U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, is expected to run to succeed her.

Candidates cannot officially file for the 2026 race until Feb. 19.