Kathleen Peters’ bid for a third term on the Pinellas County Commission got a boost from her Q4 contribution filing, as she cleared $100,000 for the year as a result of a strong quarter. Her campaign spent less than $1,000 during the same period, so most of this cash will serve as dry powder going into her 2026 re-election campaign.
Peters’ challenger, David Glenn, launched his campaign midway through the fourth quarter and contributed $2,278 to his own campaign. This has been his only source of contributions thus far.
Peters saw Q4 contributions from more than 50 people and organizations totalling $39,350. They include fellow elected State Reps. Linda Chaney and Jackie Toledo, and Clerk of Court Ken Burke. Former St. Petersburg Councilmember Robert Blackmon and State Sen. Jeff Brandes also supported her campaign, as did Hank Hine, director of the Dali Museum and the husband of School Board Chairwoman Laura Hine.
Peters, who represents the majority of the Pinellas Gulf Coast along with a stretch of Tampa Bay across the county, saw a number of contributions from marine businesses, as well as $2,500 in contributions from three local bowling alleys.
Reached for comment, Peters said, “While our campaign is just getting started, the critical work of our residents is ongoing, and I’m humbled by the support of friends and neighbors who recognize that.
“I’ll continue to fight for affordability, keep spending low, advocate for our storm-damaged communities and beaches, and collaborate with our partners to streamline access to care for those suffering with mental illness and addiction.”
Peters narrowly outraised outgoing Commission Chair Brian Scott, who brought in $17,760 for the quarter and a total of just over $94,000 for the year. Both significantly outraised longtime Commissioner and 2026 Chair Dave Eggers on the year, but Eggers did add $12,125 for Q4 to end the year with $18,625.
“I announced early, almost a year ago; but I said ‘you know what, I’m going to play offense rather than defense,’” Scott told Poliverse, “and that’s what I’ve done.
“Right now, I’m the only Commissioner who’s unopposed, and I’m hoping it stays that way.”
Scott, like Peters, saw a $2,500 windfall from the local bowling industry. He also saw several contributions from figures in the transportation industry; Scott is a former President of Escot Bus Lines. Scott’s expenses primarily went to his Campaign Treasurer and social media management.
Eggers received a number of small donations from north Pinellas county, where his district is based, as well as contributions from fellow Commissioners Scott and Chris Scherer, along with a PAC associated with Pinellas Republican Party Chair Adam Ross. This leaves little doubt as to his institutional support going into his fourth term.
Like Peters, Eggers represent geographic districts; the fourth, outgoing Chair Scott, sits at-large. All three are Republicans. Thus far only Peters has drawn an opposite party challenger; Eggers has been challenged by two Republicans, one of whom has since withdrawn, while Scott and Latvala remain unopposed.
The deadline to contest all four races is not until mid-June, but building a substantial cash advantage is a common strategy for incumbents to pursue to deter potential challengers and demonstrate broad community support. Should a challenger surface, the funds can allow for a rapid scaling-up of infrastructure and staff and give an incumbent the opportunity to define the scope of a race.