Republican Pinellas County Commission candidate bows out

David Scott Leatherwood, one of two Republicans vying for a Pinellas County Commission seat, says he is bowing out of the race.

Leatherwood, a filmmaker and social media influencer who had won endorsements from prominent Republicans, both local and national, made the announcement in a Facebook post late Monday night.

“Make no mistake, I still have that vision for Pinellas County,” he wrote. “I entered this race as a deeply concerned voter, and I will continue to be a vocal advocate for my neighbors who have shared their stories and struggles with me in the past few weeks.”

Leatherwood’s withdrawal leaves his primary opponent, Vince Nowicki, as the lone Republican candidate facing Democratic incumbent Charlie Justice for the District 3 commission seat.

Leatherwood, a gay man who describes himself as “anti-woke” and uses the social media handle Brokeback Patriot, has developed a conservative following as a critic of gay pride month and an opponent of gender-affirming care for transgender youth.

He was a latecomer to the race, filing to run two days before the deadline in June. Though his candidacy lasted less than a month and a half, he racked up a number of high-profile endorsements. Among them: Roger Stone, the political operative and friend of former President Donald Trump; former St. Petersburg City Council member Robert Blackmon; and U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna.

Leatherwood “made a decision that was best for the county,” Luna wrote in a post on her own Facebook page. “I look forward to him running for another seat with the full backing of the local party as well as those that worked against him.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.