Clearwater Residents Vote In First Council Runoff

Clearwater voters will select a new representative for City Council Seat 5 on November 3. This marks the first runoff election in the city's history, a process mandated by a 2024 charter amendment requiring candidates to secure a majority of votes to win office. The primary held on August 18 failed to produce a majority winner, forcing a second round between Sam Wilson and Mark Bunker.

In the primary, Wilson, a 26-year-old district director for U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, received nearly 49 percent of the vote. Bunker, a 70-year-old former council member and radio host, earned 35 percent. Kevin R. T. Laughlin, a local business owner, took the remaining 16 percent. Wilson stated he was within 400 to 500 votes of reaching the 50 percent threshold needed to avoid a runoff.

Bunker has criticized the Church of Scientology for more than 20 years, making him the first elected official in decades to speak openly about the group, which maintains its international headquarters in downtown Clearwater. Wilson, while acknowledging support from some church members, emphasized that he focuses on a wider range of issues, including affordability, government transparency, and hurricane resilience.

The debate has centered on development proposals, specifically the Cleveland Street Alliance project. Bunker described the alliance as a front group that conceals the church's involvement, alleging deception in the rollout of plans for a $50 million movie theater and new restaurants. Sarah Heller, a spokesperson for the church, called Bunker's allegations preposterous and noted that the alliance's manager had previously told the council that the church was involved.

Wilson said residents will likely appreciate the new entertainment venue regardless of ownership. He noted that people often complain about a lack of activities in the area. Bunker expressed concern that the city is becoming a more entrenched political council. He said, 'I think there is a place for more reasonable candidates.'

Campaign finance reports show Wilson raised nearly $61,000, with an additional $34,000 going to a supporting political committee. He has received backing from local and state Republicans, including Mayor and state Rep. Berny Jacques. Bunker raised more than $12,000 without a supporting committee, receiving contributions from individuals in states such as Virginia, Hawaii, Texas, and Pennsylvania.

The election is nonpartisan, but candidates have aligned with party structures. Republicans have purchased ads highlighting Bunker's party affiliation and past bankruptcy. Bunker, who lost his 2024 re-election bid to Vice Mayor Ryan Cotton, is seeking to regain a council seat. Wilson aims to expand his primary vote total to secure the majority required by the new charter rules.