Kruse Beats Hunzeker in Landslide

MANATEE COUNTY – The Manatee County Commission District 7 at-large race had devolved into dueling negative attack-ads, in which opposing developer-funded PACs tried to convince voters that either former county administrator Ed Hunzeker or real estate financier George Kruse was a closet liberal while the other was the real conservative Republican. In the end, however, voters spoke loudly and despite facing a campaign finance deficit of more than 50 percent, Kruse was able to cruise to an easy victory, earning 57 percent of the vote.

The district 7 race was part of a musical-chairs-like shift in campaigns once incumbent Republican Besty Benac announced she was dropping out of the race in late April. Hunzeker, who’d already filed to challenge incumbent district 5 commissioner Vanessa Baugh in the primary, dropped out of that contest and filed for the countywide seat, while Kruse, who’d filed to challenge District 1 incumbent Republican Priscilla Trace, did the same. Because no other candidates had filed to run in November, the primary would have been open to Democrats and independent voters, however, the write-in loophole was used to close off the race, allowing Republicans alone to decide on representation for the seat.

From the start of his campaign, Hunzeker had strong support from east county developers including donors associated with Schroeder Manatee Ranch, Neal Communities, and Benderson Development. Once Kruse and Hunzeker wound up facing off in District 7, however, Medallion Homes’ Carlos Beruff got involved to help Kruse. Hunzeker, who’d built strong ties with the business community during his tenure as administrator, also faced backlash from citizens on controversies during his time in that position, which Kruse’s campaign was able to capitalize on.

"I have truly enjoyed campaigning around Manatee County and speaking with everyone each and every day," said Kruse following his victory. "I came into this race believing we, as a community, needed a voice in our government and the people of Manatee came out strong and agreed on Tuesday."

Kruse said voters responded to his call for a government that was truly representative of its constituents.

"It was a tough race against a very formidable opponent but we were able to cut through the noise to get to the core of what a representative government should be," said Kruse. "It should represent those it serves and that's what I intend to do these next four years. I'm looking forward to working with the rest of the board and each and every member of our community to make Manatee County as great, and as inclusive, as I know it can be. Thank you to everyone that supported me these past seven months and I'm looking forward to listening to and being, your voice on our board going forward."