Manatee School Board Candidates Qualify for August Election; District 4 Race Decided Without Contest
The field is set for the 2026 Manatee County School Board elections after candidates completed the qualifying process before the June 12 deadline.
Voters in School Board Districts 2 and 5 will choose from a combined eight candidates during the Aug. 18 primary election. School board races in Florida are nonpartisan, meaning all registered voters, regardless of political affiliation, may vote for candidates in the district where they reside. If a candidate receives more than 50% of the vote plus one additional vote in August, they will be elected. If no candidate reaches that threshold, the top two vote-getters will advance to the November general election.
District 2 features a five-candidate race between Rev. James Golden, Dr. Sharon Jefferson, Margi Nanney, Cindy Spray, and JT White. District 5 voters will choose among Camden Bedinghaus, Dr. Jonathan Mullis, and Chantal Wilford.
District 4 will not appear on the ballot after incumbent school board member Chad Choate qualified unopposed for another four-year term. Under Florida election law, unopposed candidates are automatically elected and do not appear on the ballot.
District 2 Candidates
Rev. James Golden
Golden is a minister and community leader seeking the District 2 seat. He has participated in multiple local candidate forums and is campaigning on issues affecting public education and school governance.
Dr. Sharon Jefferson
Jefferson is an educator and school board candidate focused on educational achievement and student success. She has been active in community forums leading up to the election.
Margi Nanney
Nanney is an author, speaker and director of the Manatee County chapter of Turning Point USA. She entered the District 2 race earlier this year and has highlighted community involvement and educational issues during her campaign.
Cindy Spray
Spray currently serves on the Manatee County School Board and is seeking reelection. She has participated in discussions regarding district policies, classroom issues and school governance during her tenure.
JT White
White is a District 2 candidate who has taken part in local candidate forums and discussions on education-related issues, including school policies and parental involvement.
District 5 Candidates
Camden Bedinghaus
Bedinghaus is running for the District 5 seat and has participated in community forums focused on education policy, parental involvement and school governance.
Dr. Jonathan Mullis
Mullis is a small business owner, parent of students in the district and president of the Bradenton Kiwanis Club. His campaign emphasizes academic achievement, parental involvement, school safety, fiscal responsibility and career readiness programs for students.
Chantal Wilford
Wilford is making another run for a seat on the school board and has been active in District 5 campaign events and candidate forums. She has previously sought election to the board and is again presenting her platform to voters this year.
The League of Women Voters of Manatee County has scheduled candidate forums for both races later this month, providing voters an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates before casting their ballots. The District 2 forum is scheduled for June 24, while the District 5 forum will be held on June 30.
