Eight Candidates Qualify for Manatee County Commission District 1 Race
Voters in Manatee County Commission District 1 will have a choice among eight qualified candidates seeking the seat in the 2026 election. The field includes six Republicans competing in the Aug. 18 Republican Primary, one Democratic candidate who will appear on the Nov. 3 General Election ballot, and one write-in candidate. Candidate biographies and financial disclosures are available through the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections.
The Republican candidates are:
Elizabeth Arnold is a retired utility executive with more than 20 years of management experience in finance and operations. She has been active in community advocacy and has focused on issues including fiscal responsibility, growth management and preserving Manatee County’s rural character.
John Dunn is a U.S. Air Force veteran, former firefighter and paramedic, and lifelong Manatee County resident. His background includes public safety and emergency services, and his campaign emphasizes infrastructure, public safety and accountable government.
Michael Harrison is a retired law enforcement professional and military veteran. His experience includes public safety, criminal justice and emergency preparedness, with a campaign focused on responsible growth, infrastructure and protecting taxpayers.
Adam Johnson is a small business owner and entrepreneur. He has emphasized transportation improvements, economic development, fiscal responsibility and managing growth while supporting public safety and infrastructure investments.
Mark Stanoch has a professional background in technology, cybersecurity and business leadership. His campaign highlights government transparency, fiscal responsibility, infrastructure planning and smart growth.
Leland Taylor is an attorney whose legal career has included work in public service and private practice. His campaign focuses on constitutional principles, responsible development, infrastructure and efficient county government.
The Democratic candidate is:
Sari Lindroos-Valimaki is an educator and community advocate. She has emphasized environmental stewardship, responsible growth, affordable housing, public education and protecting Manatee County’s natural resources.
Jack May has qualified as the write-in candidate for the District 1 race and will appear as a write-in option during the General Election.
District 1 is a partisan seat. Republican voters will choose their party’s nominee during the Aug. 18 Primary, while all registered voters may participate in the Nov. 3 General Election, where the Republican nominee will face Democratic candidate Sari Lindroos-Valimaki and write-in candidate Jack May. Additional candidate information, financial reports and required disclosures are available through the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections.