Clearwater City Council Seat 5 · Nov 3, 2026
Sam Wilson
Candidate for City Council Seat 5
Sam Wilson is running for Clearwater City Council Seat 5 in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Mark Bunker.
Voter registration deadline · Mon, Oct 5, 2026
TodayCongressional staffer who serves on the board of the Clearwater Housing Authority.
- Endorsed by
- Rep. Gus Bilirakis, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Pinellas County Commissioners Dave Eggers, Chris Latvala, Vince Nowicki, Kathleen Peters, Chris Scherer and Brian Scott, Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector, former Mayor Frank Hibbard, Suncoast PBA, Fraternal Order of Police, and International Association of Fire Fighters. Sam Wilson for Clearwater City Council
- Campaign website
- www.votesamwilson.com
In the Aug. 18 election, Sam Wilson received nearly 49% and Mark Bunker just under 35% in a three-way Seat 5 race; Kevin Laughlin received 16%. Florida Politics · Aug 18, 2026
Where Sam Wilson stands: positions on the record
Property taxes1 sourced position
Pledges to roll back the city's property tax rate without cutting police, fire or infrastructure.
“Sam will deliver real relief by rolling back the millage rate to lower tax bills for families, seniors on fixed incomes, veterans, and first-time buyers.”
Own statementSam Wilson for Clearwater City Council
Downtown2 sourced positions
Says downtown is not for sale and he opposes giveaways, favoring activating vacant properties and attracting small businesses.
“Downtown Clearwater is not for sale. No giveaways”
Own statementSam Wilson for Clearwater City Council
At a June 2026 forum, said downtown needs activation and the city must work with all partners.
“we need activation more than anything else, we have to be willing to work with all partners in our city”
Forum answerTampa Bay 28 · Jun 23, 2026
Garden Avenue1 sourced position
as reported by Creative Loafing Tampa Bay; not a direct quote
Was noncommittal on the Garden Avenue vote, saying he had not done as much research as council members; said his test is whether a deal helps downtown.
“The test is simple: does it help downtown and move the city forward?”
Own statementCreative Loafing Tampa Bay
Electric utility1 sourced position
At a June 2026 forum, said the cost of a city-run electric utility could be too much for the city to handle.
“The price tag that we are seeing from the city taking it on could be too much for us to handle”
Forum answerSpectrum Bay News 9 · Jun 24, 2026
Transparency1 sourced position
Pledges to end closed-door deals and last-minute decisions at City Hall.
“Sam will make transparency the standard at City Hall by ending closed-door deals and last-minute decisions.”
Own statementSam Wilson for Clearwater City Council
Hurricane recovery1 sourced position
Pledges to streamline permitting and speed up storm repairs.
“He will streamline permitting, cut red tape, and accelerate repairs and responsible development without compromising safety.”
Own statementSam Wilson for Clearwater City Council
Also running for City Council Seat 5
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