Local Government O'Brien Steps Down as Manatee Democratic Chair

BRADENTON -- Richard O’Brien, candidate for Mayor of Bradenton, has announced that he is stepping down from his position as chair of the Manatee County Democratic Party. The move will be effective - and an election can be held - at the July Party meeting.

”Given the nonpartisan position I am running for, I believe this is the proper thing to do,“ said O’Brien. ”I can now give my full commitment and dedication to not only the mayoral campaign but also, ultimately, bringing meaningful change to the people of Bradenton.“

O'Brien, a professor at State College of Florida, breathed new life into the local party over a span of nearly two years at the helm. In addition to being involved with the state party's creation of a state business caucus, O'Brien helped Hardee County create a Democratic Executive Committee and worked hard to build a slate of Democratic candidates.