Bob Gualtieri backs Sam Wilson as ‘strong partner for public safety’ in Clearwater City Council bid

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri is endorsing Sam Wilson in his bid for Clearwater City Council, Seat 5, saying Wilson has the “energy and dedication to serve.”

“I’m confident he will bring practical leadership to the City Council and be a strong partner for public safety,” Gualtieri said. “Sam understands the importance of keeping our neighborhoods safe while supporting smart, responsible growth for Clearwater.”

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

Gualtieri is one of the most respected elected officials in Pinellas County and often has bipartisan support. First appointed by then-Gov. Rick Scott in 2011, Gualtieri was subsequently elected in 2012 and re-elected in 2016, 2020 and 2024.

Wilson said he is “incredibly grateful” for Gualtieri’s endorsement.

“He has dedicated his career to protecting our community, and his leadership contributes to Pinellas County’s reputation as a safe place to raise a family,” Wilson said. “As a member of the Clearwater City Council, I will work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure we uphold the rule of law in our neighborhoods, downtown areas, and beaches.”

The nod follows an endorsement earlier this week from the Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association, further demonstrating Wilson’s support among law enforcement leadership.

Wilson also secured endorsements last month 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 also earned nods from incumbent Clearwater City Council members David Allbritton, Ryan Cotton and Mike Mannino.

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 faces a challenger: former Clearwater City Council member Mark Bunker, an anti-Scientology activist who was unseated in 2024.

Wilson raised nearly $23,000 in the first quarter of 2026, bringing his total fundraising above $38,000. The totals are split between Wilson’s campaign account and affiliated political committee, Clearwater Families for Affordability. Of the Q1 fundraising, nearly $16,000 of it went to the campaign, while $7,000 was raised through Wilson’s PC.

Compare that to Bunker and it’s clear Wilson has an edge. Bunker has raised just over $1,200, with just two of his seven contributions coming from Clearwater residents. Two of the contributions were from out of state, with the remaining three coming from residents in Nokomis, Sarasota and Palm Harbor.

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.