Manatee County Commission Races Take Shape for 2026 Election in Districts 2, 4 and 6
The field of candidates for the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners continues to take shape ahead of the 2026 election, with multiple candidates filed in Districts 2, 4, and the countywide District 6 seat, according to information posted by the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections. The races include incumbents seeking reelection and challengers from different parties.
The District 6 at-large seat, which is elected countywide, has attracted the most candidates. All candidates to date are registered as Republicans, indicating that this race will be determined during the August primaries.
Among the candidates who have filed to run for this seat are Tony Barrett, a local veteran and real estate broker with experience in county emergency services and community organizations; John B. Calovich, a business executive emphasizing accessible government and responsive leadership; Anthony Drake, a pastor and community leader; Edward J. Ference, a long-time county resident with experience in utility services; and Adam Johnson, a candidate whose name has drawn broader attention for his past involvement in national events and recent legal activity involving county officials.
In District 2, incumbent Amanda Ballard (Republican) has filed to seek a second term. She is being challenged in the August primaries by Edward A. Bailey Jr., the former aide to District 5 County Commissioner Bob McCann.
The winner of the primaries will face the Democratic candidate and two candidates with no party affiliation. Charles Smith, who served one term before losing the 2018 Democratic primary to Reggie Bellamy, is currently unopposed for the Democratic nomination. Joe Morris and Shavonda S. Griffin will join the general election in November as No Party Affiliation candidates.
District 4 also includes an incumbent and a challenger. Mike Rahn (Republican) has filed to retain his seat and is being challenged by Glen Gibellina (Republican). The District 4 race will determine representation for residents in that portion of the county.
District 4 features a contested Republican primary with incumbent Mike Rahn seeking another term. He is facing challenger Glen Gibellina, a longtime local activist who has been active in monitoring county and municipal government.
The primary election is scheduled for August 18, 2026, with the general election set for November 3, 2026. Additional information on candidates, campaign finance activity, and ballot details will be released by the Supervisor of Elections as the election cycle continues.