Dave Eggers, Kathleen Peters back ‘independent thinker’ Sam Wilson for Clearwater City Council

Pinellas County Commissioners Dave Eggers and Kathleen Peters are throwing their weight behind Sam Wilson in his campaign for the Clearwater City Council.

Eggers, in his endorsement, described Wilson as “exactly the kind of leader Clearwater needs right now.”

“He understands the challenges facing our community, from affordability to public safety, and he’s committed to delivering real, practical solutions,” Eggers said. “Sam has the integrity, work ethic, and vision to bring people together and get results. I’m proud to endorse him because I know he’ll put residents first and work every day to make Clearwater a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

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

“Sam Wilson is an independent thinker who Clearwater residents can trust to fight for their interests on the City Council,” Peters said. “From making life more affordable for everyday families to accelerating storm recovery and resiliency measures, Sam Wilson has the right priorities to make a difference in Clearwater.”

The nod follows an endorsement earlier this month from Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri.

He also earned support last month 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 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 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 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.