School Board Chair Files for 2026 Re-election in District 4

School Board Chair Chad Choate has officially filed to run for re-election in 2026, seeking to retain the District 4 seat he currently holds. Choate’s tenure on the board began in August 2021 when Governor Ron DeSantis appointed him to fill the vacancy left by Scott Hopes. Hopes, initially appointed by former Governor Rick Scott, stepped down to serve as Manatee County Administrator.

In the 2022 election, Choate secured a solid victory by capturing 55 percent of the vote against challenger Sean Conley. With his re-election filing, Choate is the first candidate to declare his intent for the upcoming race.

In addition to the District 4 contest, two candidates have already filed for the District 5 seat, signaling a competitive season ahead for school board elections. Individuals interested in pursuing a candidacy are encouraged to visit the Supervisor of Elections website for further details and guidelines on how to get involved: https://www.votemanatee.com/Candidate.../Become-a-Candidate.