Kelly HayesIncumbent Charles Thomas will advance to the November General Election after defeating a former colleague in the Republican primary for Pinellas County Tax Collector.
Thomas had a landslide win with 73.18.
The race pitted Thomas against a former employee: Joyell Bobala.
Bobala spent 21 years in the office and worked under Thomas before resigning as tax supervisor in May.
Thomas has served as Pinellas County Tax Collector since 2017, and worked as chief deputy tax collector for 16 years prior.
Bobala said she decided to run against her former boss due in part to “a lack of trust, a lack of transparency, favoritism” and “a demoralizing internal culture,” according to the Tampa Bay Times. Bobala earned an endorsement from former tax collector Diane Nelson, who previously endorsed Thomas in the 2016 election following her retirement.
Thomas, on the other hand, boasts several Governor’s Sterling Awards in 2013, 2016 and 2020. He also earned endorsements from local Republican leaders, including Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and Rep. Chris Sprowls, the incoming Florida House Speaker.
The newly elected Republican nominee led the race in fundraising, raising nearly double his former subordinate. Thomas collected $84,885 in contributions, and Bobala just $35,524.
The Republican candidates spent around the same amount leading up to the primaries — Thomas spent $30,200 and Bobala $32,324.
Thomas still has $54,685 cash on hand, showing he’s ready for the General Election.
The race has one Democratic challenger, Joseph Saportas.
Saportas campaign fundraising fell under scrutiny in June for potential illegal activity. His campaign finance report revealed glaring problems and potentially illegal contributions. The reports suggest fiscal incompetence as multiple amendments were needed to his first financial report.
The Democrat has raised $17,779 since the start of his campaign and, although he does not face a primary opponent, has spent $13,139 throughout his campaign, leaving him with just $4,640 heading into the General Election.
The Tax Collector oversees 275 employees. The office is responsible for collecting more than $1 billion in tax revenue.
The office also issues vehicle registrations, titles, drivers licenses and hunting and fishing licenses, among other services. The Tax Collector serves a four-year term.
