Log in Subscribe
ELECTION 2026 TBT PRIMARY ENDORSEMENTS AND VOTING GUIDE
Manatee County Election Information and Voting Guide

At The Bradenton Times, our mission is simple: to help you vote for the best interest of our community. We don’t rely on campaign talking points. Our staff attends government meetings and conducts independent research to bring you the facts.

When we find a candidate who stands above the rest, we endorse them. When the choice is less clear, we provide an objective analysis so you can decide for yourself. Don’t fall for candidates who rely on mass-mailed flyers and empty sound bites—especially those who refuse to face the public in debates. Democracy requires work; please take the time to get informed.

All registered voters can participate in the general election. Please vote!

Check out our Election Guide and coverage at this link.

Sunday, July 19
TBT ENDORSEMENTS FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION
Local

Campaign finance reports display fundraising gaps, PAC networks in BOCC races

With early voting underway ahead of the Nov. 3 general election, the latest campaign finance reports show substantial fundraising disparities among Manatee County Commission …
by Dawn Kitterman
2 days ago
General Election 2026

Amendment 1: Budget Stabilization Fund, Explained

This November, Florida voters will be asked whether the state should expand the amount of money it can set aside in its Budget Stabilization Fund …
by Dawn Kitterman
Saturday, September 12
General Election 2026

Amendment 2: Agricultural Tangible Personal Property Tax Exemption, Explained

A proposed constitutional amendment on Florida voters' ballots this November would change how certain tangible personal property used in agriculture is treated …
by Dawn Kitterman
Saturday, September 12
Local

Campaign finance reports display fundraising gaps, PAC networks in BOCC races

With early voting underway ahead of the Nov. 3 general election, the latest campaign finance reports show substantial fundraising disparities among Manatee County Commission …

by Dawn Kitterman
2 days ago
Opinion

Florida’s Amendment 3: Tax Relief, Socialism, and Loss of Services?

When Florida voters look at their general election ballots, few items carry as much personal financial weight—or as much potential disruption to local government—as Amendment 3. 

by Joe McClash
Saturday, October 3
Election 2026

Race Analysis: Manatee School Board District 2

The non-partisan Manatee County School Board District 2 race saw two candidates emerge from August's field of five who will compete in a runoff on the November ballot: incumbent Cindy Spray and …

by Mitch Maley
Friday, October 2
Election 2026

Race Analysis: Florida CFO

The Republican and Democratic primary contests for Florida chief financial officer are now complete, setting up the general-election matchup between …

Staff Report
Saturday, September 26
Election 2026

Race Analysis: Florida AG Commissioner

With Florida’s primary elections now behind them, Republican incumbent Wilton Simpson and Democratic nominee Joey Mendoza Atkins will face each other in the Nov. 3 general election …

Staff Report
Saturday, September 26
Election 2026

Race Analysis: Manatee County Commission District 1

The Manatee County Commission District 1 race features Republican Liz Arnold and Democrat Sari Lindroos-Valimaki and will determine who serves the remaining two years in the seat vacated after Carol …

by Mitch Maley
Friday, September 25
podcast

Episode 258: Sari Lindroos-Valimaki

Sari Lindroos-Valimaki is the Democratic candidate for Manatee County Commission District 1. She joins Mitch and Dawn to discuss her platform and issues such as the rewriting of the Land Development …

Thursday, September 24
CANDIDATE INFORMATION
Election 2026

Vote411.org: "Find What's on Your Ballot"

The 2026 Primary Voters Guide is now live on Vote411.org . Voters can use the Find What’s On Your Ballot tool to see every race and candidate that will appear on their personal ballot. All …

LWV Manatee County
Thursday, July 16
Election 2026

Area Republicans rally for Democrat Kirschner against Trump-endorsed Gruters

Supporters of Democrat Kelly Kirschner pose for a group photo following the

Several area Republican leaders gathered before guests and reporters this week to officially endorse Democrat Kelly Kirschner for Congress. At an event …

by Dawn Kitterman
Tuesday, September 15
CANDIDATE SUBMISSIONS PLUS SOME
Guest Commentary

Roadways and Sprawl

Screenshot

Most people don’t pay much attention to the county’s Comprehensive Plan. It’s a thick document filled with maps, policies, and what look like harmless little dotted lines. But those dotted …

Liz Arnold
Tuesday, July 21
VIDEO AND PODCASTS
podcast

Episode 262: Reggie Bellamy

Reggie Bellamy is running for the Manatee County Commission's District 6 at-large (countywide) seat in November's election. He joins Mitch and Dawn to discuss what motivated him to run after being …

Wednesday, October 14
podcast

Episode 261: Harvey Shifrin, D72 FL House candidate

Harvey Shifrin is the Democratic candidate for Florida House District 72, currently represented by Bill Conerly, whom he faces on the Nov. ballot. Harvey joins Mitch and Dawn to talk about his …

Thursday, October 8
podcast

Episode 259: Thomas Schwarz

Thomas Schwarz is a candidate for the Bradenton City Council Ward 3 seat. He joins Mitch and Dawn to discuss his grassroots campaign and vision for Bradenton's future. You can learn more about …

Wednesday, September 30
podcast

Episode 255: Lisa Gonzalez Moore

Lisa Gonzalez Moore represents Ward 4 on the Bradenton City Council and is seeking a second term in November. She joins Mitch and Dawn to discuss her first-term accomplishments and a range of issues …

Wednesday, September 16
podcast

Episode 254: Kelly Kirschner, D16 Congressional candidate

Kelly Kirschner is the former Mayor of Sarasota and the Democratic candidate for the District 16 Congressional seat being vacated by Vern Buchanan. He faces Republican Sydney Gruters in November. …

Wednesday, September 9
Podcast

Special Episode: U.S. Senate Candidate Angie Nixon

Coming off her historic upset in the Democratic primary, Florida Rep. and U.S. Senate candidate Angie Nixon sits down with TBT Editor Mitch Maley to discuss her campaign and how she plans to defeat …

Thursday, September 3