In sharp contrast to 2024 primary results, Manatee County grassroots candidates took a beating in Tuesday’s primary, as big-money developer-backed candidates carried the day. District 1 Manatee County Commission candidate Liz Arnold proved to be the sole exception.
Manatee County Commission: Arnold survives attacks to win; incumbents Ballard and Rahn easily fend off grassroots challenges in BOCC Districts 2 and 4. Poulton emerges in countywide D6 race to replace Jason Bearden.
Manatee County District 1 candidate Liz Arnold addressed the county commission during public comments in 2025
Big Development went all in to defeat grassroots smart-growth candidate Liz Arnold in District 1, but it wasn’t enough, as Arnold was able to win by five points over Mark Stanoch, despite splitting much of the vote with fellow grassroots candidate John Dunn in the crowded Republican primary…