Bianca Latvala officially in for Clearwater City Council

Bianca Latvala, a local GOP political strategist and wife of Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala, has officially filed to run for Clearwater City Council in District 4.

“Clearwater is my home, and I care deeply about its future,” she said in a campaign announcement.

“As our city continues to grow, we must prioritize responsible budgeting, strong public safety, affordability, and preserving the character of our community. I’m running to ensure residents have a voice at City Hall and that decisions are guided by transparency, accountability, and long-term vision. I believe leadership isn’t about the loudest voice in the room — it’s about the most thoughtful. I’m pragmatic, value efficiency, and bring a balanced, level-headed approach focused on practical solutions.”

Latvala said her campaign will focus on affordability, fiscal responsibility, economic vitality, and strengthening the community for the future.

In addition to her political work, Latvala works in digital marketing where she partners with businesses and organizations to improve strategy and growth, a role that has given her firsthand insight into how city decisions impact local small businesses and jobs.

Latvala currently serves on boards for the Rotary Club of Clearwater, PACE Center for Girls, and the Lyla Goode Foundation. She also serves as Chair of the City of Clearwater’s Community Resiliency and Leisure Services Committee, helping guide efforts that strengthen neighborhoods, enhance recreation, and support long-term planning for the city’s future.

Latvala is running for the seat currently held by David Allbritton, a Republican, who is not seeking re-election.

Latvala is affiliated with a political committee established last month, Friends of Bianca. The committee won’t file its first financial reports until April.

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.

Seat 5 is also up for election this year, and it will be an open race. Incumbent Lina Teixeira announced last month 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.

Thursday was the first day candidates could officially file for the race. The Clearwater City Council election is Aug. 18, 2026.