Clearwater residents head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, to settle the city's first-ever runoff election for City Council Seat 5.

Sam Wilson, 26, the district director for U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, faces former council member Mark Bunker, 70, a longtime critic of the Church of Scientology. The winner will replace incumbent Lina Teixeira, who chose not to seek re-election, according to Florida Politics.

As we reported Nov. 2, the runoff exists because Clearwater voters changed the city charter in a 2024 referendum to require candidates to win a majority. The city's candidate information packet confirms that all council seats are elected at-large for four-year terms.

How they got here

Three candidates ran in the Aug. 18 primary. Wilson led with 10,798 votes, or about 49%, according to WTSP. Bunker followed with 7,706 votes, about 35%. Kevin R.T. Laughlin, a local business owner, received about 16%.

No candidate cleared 50%, triggering the runoff.

What separates the candidates

The race is nonpartisan, but Wilson is a Republican and Bunker is a Democrat, the Tampa Bay Times reported. Wilson has drawn strong support from his party, including endorsements from Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector, state Rep. Berny Jacques, state Sen. Nick DiCeglie and Luna.

Wilson said he is focused on making Clearwater more affordable, promoting government transparency and making the city more resilient to hurricanes, the Tampa Bay Times reported. He acknowledged receiving campaign support from members of the Church of Scientology but said he has broader interests as a candidate and wants to address issues that matter to all residents.

Bunker, who served on the council from 2020 to 2024, has pointed to his record supporting the North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area and allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) for affordable housing. He has spoken against a development proposal at The Landings, a 77-acre golf course site, and said he is wary of the potential effect of reduced property taxes on local government budgets.

The Church of Scientology's role in downtown Clearwater has become a central campaign issue. Companies tied to the church have purchased more than 200 properties downtown since 2017, the Tampa Bay Times has reported. A company called The Cleveland Street Alliance, which includes the church and other development professionals, announced plans for restaurants and a $50 million movie theater downtown earlier in 2026.

Bunker described the alliance as a "front group," the Tampa Bay Times reported. Sarah Heller, a spokesperson for the church, called that allegation "preposterous," noting that the company's manager, Scott Dobbins, told the City Council the church was involved during a special meeting on the plans.

Money in the race

Wilson out-raised Bunker. His campaign reported nearly $61,000 in contributions, plus more than $34,000 to a political committee supporting his candidacy, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The Republican Party at the local and state level has also paid for campaign ads against Bunker.

Bunker does not have a political committee. He raised more than $12,000, with donations coming from across the country, campaign finance reports show.

How to vote

Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at assigned polling places, according to the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections. Voters in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to cast a ballot.

Results will be posted on the supervisor's 2026 Election Results page. The winner is scheduled to take the oath of office Nov. 19 at a City Council meeting, according to the city's election calendar.