Conservative Vince Nowicki to Face Liberal Charlie Justice for Pinellas Commission

David Leatherwood, a prominent conservative influencer self-titled as "Brokeback Patriot," has unexpectedly withdrawn from the race for the Pinellas County Commission, leaving Vince Nowicki as the sole Republican contender against Democratic incumbent Charlie Justice. Leatherwood's exit reshapes the political landscape, intensifying the focus on the upcoming November election which could shift the control of the Pinellas County Commission​.

Nowicki, who has garnered significant support from local GOP leaders and raised substantial campaign funds, aims to unseat Justice, a long-serving commissioner known for his environmental advocacy and public safety initiatives​ (The Tampa Bay 100)​. Justice, who narrowly retained his seat in the previous election, now faces a potentially tougher battle as the Republican voter registration edge in Pinellas County could play a crucial role in the election outcome​.