Clovis Watson Jr.

History

Watson attended Santa Fe College, where he graduated with an Associate degree in criminal justice technology; the University of Alabama, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in human services; Mountain State University, where he graduated with a Master's degree in public administration; and Northcentral University, where he graduated with a Master of Business Administration degree. He worked for the police department in the city of Alachua, working his way up to Deputy Chief of Police. Afterwards, he became the city manager of Alachua, and worked for Santa Fe College as an adjunct professor of state and local government. In 2006, Watson very publicly left the Florida Democratic Party, noting, "I cannot continue to support a party that uses criticism and calumny as its stock in trade," and joined the Republican Party of Florida, declaring, "We're turning this county a crimson red. In 2008, however, he called this move a mistake and switched his party affiliation back, and then he resigned from his position as Alachua City Manager the following year so that he could run for public office.

Florida House of Representatives

In 2012, when Florida House districts were reconfigured, Watson opted to run in the newly created 20th District. In the Democratic primary, Watson defeated Marihelen Wheeler , receiving 59% of the vote. He was only opposed by a write-in candidate, Robert W. Brinkman, in the general election, and received 99% of the vote against him. While serving in the Florida House of Representatives, Watson supported an effort by Republicans in the legislature to "make it easier for manufacturing companies to qualify for sales-tax exemptions," breaking with his party to do so.

Watson was re-elected unopposed in 2014 to his second term in the House.