Republicans flip Clearwater council seats, win mayor’s race in clean sweep

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Local elections took place across Pinellas County Tuesday night.

Clearwater

One of the higher profile elections was the race for Clearwater mayor between Pinellas GOP-endorsed Bruce Rector and Democratic-backed Kathleen Beckman. Rector won the position with over 60% of the vote, per unofficial results, and will replace current Mayor Brian J. Aungst Sr., a Republican.

On the Clearwater City Council, elections took place for Seat 2 and 3, and Republicans flipped each seat in their favor.

Ryan Cotton won Seat 2. The Florida Democrats endorsed Mark Bunker for reelection, while Republicans supported Cotton. The race was close.

Michael Mannino handily won Seat 3. The Democrats supported Javante Scott while Republicans supported Mannino.

Oldsmar

Another race was the Oldsmar City Council between GOP-backed Vincent Albanese and Democratic-backed Steve Graber. Ultimately, Graber won the race.