Five Candidates Seek Manatee County Commission District 6 Countywide Seat
Voters across Manatee County will choose from five qualified candidates seeking the District 6 at-large seat on the Manatee County Commission during the 2026 election cycle. Because District 6 is an at-large position, all registered voters in Manatee County are eligible to vote in the race. The field includes four Republicans competing in the primary and one Democrat who has advanced to the general election. Candidate qualifications and biographies are available through the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections.
Tony Barrett (Republican)
Tony Barrett is a U.S. Army veteran and longtime Manatee County resident with careers in emergency services and real estate. He previously served with Manatee County Emergency Medical Services before retiring as a firefighter/paramedic with Sarasota County Fire Department. Barrett also served as a tactical medic with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team. For more than two decades, he has worked as a real estate broker and served as the 2024 president of the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee. He is also the founder of Heroes Welcome Home, a nonprofit organization that assists veterans with housing and support services.
John Calovich (Republican)
John Calovich is a business owner and resident of Lakewood Ranch. He owns America’s Swimming Pool Company of Manatee County and has emphasized community involvement, local government accountability, and responsible growth as priorities for his campaign. Calovich is active in his church and is a member of the Knights of Columbus. His campaign focuses on issues including development, environmental protection, and preserving local decision-making.
Edward Ference (Republican)
Edward “Ed” Ference is a lifelong Manatee County resident who spent more than 30 years working for Manatee County Utilities. Beginning in the field, he advanced through the department during his public service career. Ference says his experience in county operations has provided him with firsthand knowledge of infrastructure, utilities, and local government. His campaign highlights practical problem-solving, accountability, and public service.
Tara Poulton (Republican)
Tara Poulton serves as District Chief of Staff for Congressman Vern Buchanan, overseeing constituent services and district operations. She previously served as Vice President of Public Policy and Workforce Partnerships for the Manatee Chamber of Commerce and has held leadership positions with DeSoto County Government and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Poulton holds degrees from Florida State University and the University of South Florida and has worked in government, communications, and public policy.
Reggie Bellamy (Democrat)
Reggie Bellamy is a lifelong Palmetto resident, U.S. Army veteran, and Executive Director of the Palmetto Youth Center. He previously served on both the Palmetto City Commission and the Manatee County Commission, where he focused on infrastructure, responsible growth, and community development. Bellamy also has experience as a high school and collegiate athletics coach and as a school dean, working with youth throughout Manatee County.
The Republican primary will determine which GOP candidate advances to the November general election to face Democrat Reggie Bellamy. District 6 is one of four Manatee County Commission seats on the 2026 ballot and is elected countywide, giving all registered voters in Manatee County the opportunity to participate in selecting the commissioner who will represent the entire county.