Manatee County races grow crowded as primary season approaches

This week, Glen Gibellina, Ed Bailey Jr., and former commissioner Charles Smith filed to challenge for Manatee County Commission seats, while incumbent Mike Rahn announced his intention to seek reelection. A dozen candidates have now filed to run for the three seats on this year’s ballot.

District 2

In District 2, incumbent first-term Republican Amanda Ballard has filed to seek reelection. As of now, she faces a primary challenge from Bailey. Bailey had been District 5 Commissioner Bob McCann’s aide, but reportedly resigned once he filed to run.

Charles Smith, who held the seat for one-term before being unseated in the Democratic primary by Reggie Bellamy in 2018, is currently unopposed for the Democratic nomination.

Two NPA candidates have also filed to run. Shavonda Griffin is a Palmetto High and Manatee Community College grad with a background in social work and a strong record of community service. Another candidate, Joe Morris, has also filed to run as an NPA candidate for the seat.

District 4

District 4 incumbent Mike Rahn was not up for reelection during the 2024 primary, when developer-friendly candidates were voted out en masse. Rahn, who is the board’s most reliable vote on development issues, will face a unique challenge from longtime activist Glen Gibellina. Gibellina is one of the most committed members of the community when it comes to watchdogging our local government bodies and is just the sort of candidate who found success in 2024.

District 6

District 6, a countywide “at-large” seat, is the only open race, as incumbent Jason Bearden will not seek a second term. So far, the field of candidates consists of five Republicans.

 With more than 30 years of experience working in Manatee County Utilities, Ed Ference was the first candidate to file for the race and is an interesting candidate. Lakewood Ranch businessman John Calovich was also an early entrant with a unique background.

Anthony Drake, a New York transplant who moved to Manatee County in 2013 and is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, will also seek the nomination.

Realtor Tony Barrett, a 34-year Manatee County resident who previously served with Manatee County EMS before retiring from the Sarasota County Fire Department, and spent five years as a tactical medic with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, is another candidate in the crowded GOP field.

Finally, Adam Johnson, best known for having been pardoned by President Trump for his participation in the events on January 6, 2026, has also filed to run for the nomination.

Manatee County School Board

Three of Manatee County's five non-partisan school board seats will be on the ballot this year. In District 2, first-term incumbent Cindy Spray will seek another term. She faces challenges from former school board member James Golden and JT Church White.

In District 4, incumbent Chad Choate is so far unopposed.

In District 5, Dr. Jonathan Mullis, a local physical therapist, is the only candidate to have filed. Incumbent Richard Tatem, who was appointed back to the seat after resigning to run for the Florida House, has not yet filed to seek reelection.

Editor's note: this article was corrected to reflect that Ed Ferrence was the first to file to run in the District 6 race.