A.G. Gancarski
Republican Scott Wilson, current vice-president of the Jacksonville City Council, hopes to lead that body in a few months.
But to get there, he’s got to dispatch Democrat Tim Yost in the March election.
Wilson’s most recent campaign finance report, encompassing receipts between Jan. 12 and 25, suggests that groundwork is being laid.
Wilson brought in more than $10,000, investing $5,000 of his own money into the effort.
Among the external investors into Wilson’s re-election: TECO Energy, which did engage local lobbyists when the sale of JEA was an open proposition last year.
The Fraternal Order of Police, a supporter of continuity in City Hall, likewise cut a check, as did Democrat Ramon Day, who Wilson soundly defeated four years prior.
Yost has yet to report his most recent receipts. He exited qualifying with roughly $300 on hand.
His supporters are optimistic, however, noting that Yost did well in District 4 in his state House challenge to Rep. Clay Yarborough in 2018.
Wilson has a lot of history in the district; before entering the City Council in 2015, he served as assistant to Don Redman, who represented the area for eight years prior.
Whereas Redman was known for pyrotechnic quotes, Wilson has been more soft-spoken and thoughtful; it has helped him overcome some Democrats’ apprehensions that Wilson would be more of the same from the Southside district.
