In a move that has set the stage for a contentious political battle, former Jacksonville City Council president Scott Wilson has announced his candidacy for the District 4 council seat, challenging incumbent Kevin Carrico in the upcoming 2027 election.

Wilson, who served as council president from July 2019 to June 2026 filed his candidacy paperwork with the Duval County Supervisor of Elections Office on July 13 officially entering the race. This decision sets the stage for an intraparty showdown between Wilson and Carrico, the Republican who succeeded him after winning a special election in 2026.

Wilson’s campaign kicks off with a critique of Carrico’s record

At a speech delivered at the Jacksonville Elks Lodge on July 13 Wilson launched a scathing critique of Carrico’s tenure, emphasizing the need for strong representation in District 4. “District 4 deserves strong representation from a council member who is accessible, responsive, accountable and focused on results,” Wilson asserted.

Wilson’s remarks highlighted his vision for the district, contrasting it with Carrico’s record. “We don’t need someone who thinks promising favors to his friends is good government,” Wilson stated, alluding to Carrico’s ongoing legal troubles. He emphasized the need for improved parks, ball fields, and a library citing his past success in securing funds for a senior center.

Wilson also took aim at what he described as Carrico’s diversionary tactics and lack of transparency. “We don’t need ‘Wag the Dog’ distractions that divert attention from the main work of government and cost taxpayers thousands of wasted dollars,” he said, calling for infrastructure improvements and protection from bad rezoning.

Carrico’s tumultuous year and notable achievements

Carrico’s tenure as City Council president has been marked by both controversy and achievement. In June he concluded a tumultuous year that saw him entangled in a State Attorney’s Office investigation. The probe stems from a reported text exchange where Carrico admitted to “owing a big favor to a friend,” linked to the appointment of his employer’s CEO to the JEA board.

Despite the legal clouds, Carrico has notched significant wins. After a grueling 13-hour debate he successfully steered a city budget through council, securing a cut in the city property tax millage rate. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in attracting the Culinary Institute of America’s new Southeast campus and regional headquarters to Downtown Jacksonville.

Carrico’s tenure has also been marked by public feuds with allies of Mayor Donna Deegan and accusations of a toxic work environment and racism at JEA, which led him to launch his own council probe into the agency.

The path to the 2027 election and campaign dynamics

Wilson’s decision to challenge Carrico comes after a period of city employment. He announced his retirement from his position as capital projects manager with the Downtown Investment Authority on July 10 his last day of city employment. Wilson’s salary at the agency was $119,616 per year.

Carrico has not yet officially filed for reelection but indicated he is “very likely to run again.” If he does, the race will feature a three-way contest, with Democrat Robert Todd Jeffers, a government affairs specialist, also vying for the seat.

Wilson’s campaign is still in its infancy, with no reported contributions to his official campaign account as of yet. In contrast, the Jax Good Government political committee backing Carrico has approximately $277,600 on hand, based on recent campaign finance activity.

Carrico has criticized Wilson’s decision to leave elected office for city employment, accusing him of abandoning the community. “Scott Wilson abandoned our community years ago and moved out of our district to chase a six-figure, taxpayer-funded salary,” Carrico stated, raising questions about Wilson’s residency and employment status.

Wilson has addressed these criticisms, stating that he moved back to District 4 in May after living in Downtown’s Cathedral District while employed by the city. His official campaign documents list an apartment on Corporate Center Parkway near Interstate 95 as his current address.

The election process in Jacksonville requires a runoff if no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote in the March election. The top two candidates would then face off in the May 6, 2027 general election.