Thomas Schwarz to run for Bradenton City Council Ward 3 seat

BRADENTON — Thomas Schwarz announced that he has qualified for the ballot in this November's Bradenton City Council Ward 3 race. Schwarz has called Bradenton home for 22 years and says he wants to help guide the city through its next phase of growth with a community-driven approach.

Schwarz is a Manatee High School graduate who continued his education locally, earning his Associate of Arts degree from State College of Florida, Manatee–Sarasota, and later a bachelor’s degree in Professional and Technical Communication, with a minor in Sociology, from the University of South Florida.

According to his campaign website, which includes an extensive blog section reflecting his positions and priorities, Schwarz has a background in the hospitality industry. He is challenging Kemp Schuessler, who was appointed to the Ward 3 seat in 2025 when Josh Cramer vacated the seat to become the city's Chief of Police.