Steve Jonsson Cruises to Victory in District 3

BRADENTON – In the Manatee County Commission District 3 race, Republican Steve Jonsson benefited from two Independent candidates splitting the opposition, coasting to 14 point victory, despite getting only 46 percent of the vote.

Jonsson was backed by local developers and didn't get a major endorsement. Planning Commissioner Matt Bower was thought to have a good shot at becoming the first NPA to win a countywide seat in Manatee until former Holmes Beach Commissioner Dave Zaccacagino entered the race.

Zaccacagino peeled off 22 percent of the opposition vote, enough to sink Bower's chances. Bower finished with 32 percent.