District 1 Commission Race Draws Candidates to Parrish Forum Ahead of Special Election
Voters in Manatee County’s District 1 will have an opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking to fill an upcoming commission vacancy during a public forum scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026.
The event comes following the death of Commissioner Carol Felts, which created the need for a special election to fill the remainder of her term from 2026 to 2028. District 1 includes Parrish, parts of Palmetto and Ellenton, as well as Duette and Myakka City.
The forum, hosted by the Conservative Voter Guild, will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Williams Elementary School, located at 3404 Fort Hamer Road in Parrish. Doors are set to open at 8:45 a.m. The event will feature candidate introductions, a question-and-answer session, and an opportunity for attendees to sign petitions.
All Republican candidates who have filed for the race have been invited to participate, though attendance is not guaranteed. Candidates listed for the event include Elizabeth Arnold, Andrew Cottrell, Anthony Drake, John Dunn, Michael Harrison, Adam Johnson, Mark Stanoch, and Leland Taylor.
The Parrish Civic Association shared details about the forum but emphasized it is not endorsing any candidate, noting the information is being provided for residents interested in learning more about those seeking office.
District 1 voters will first participate in the primary election in August, followed by the general election in November, to determine who will serve the remainder of the term. The forum is expected to serve as an early opportunity for community members to engage with candidates and better understand their positions on local issues.
