This page features some 2026 election candidates that the VACC has reached out to regarding our planned July 29th Candidates Forum. Candidates here represent various levels of government relevant to the VACC service area. Most candidates on this page have had direct follow-up contact with our Government Affairs Office and have expressed their plan to attend on July 29th. Some have also participated in a short “get to know you” Chamber video.
Please use this page for general information purposes only. Please further research offices and candidates that you have additional or specific interest in. The Venice Area Chamber of Commerce does not endorse political candidates, we do work closely with our elected representatives, when possible, for the success of the business community.
Please utilize the red buttons below to navigate to a particular position.
Representatives from the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections will be present at the July 29th Forum to assist with registering voters.
Note that any candidate descriptions listed were provided directly by the candidates who responded to our outreach. Links are also provided where applicable.
MEET THE CANDIDATES
Florida Governor Candidates
Jay Collins
Byron Donalds
James Fishback
Paul Renner
Frank J. Russo
US Senator for Sarasota County Candidates
Neil J. Gillespie
Chris Gleason
Ashley Moody
Angela Nixon
Ernest Rivera
Alex Vindman
Florida US Representative Candidates
Glenn Pearson
for District 16
Will be present
Glenn Pearson For Congress | Join the movement for change
Michael J. Quirk
for District 17
"Allen Spence is a Southwest Florida native. Raised in Fort Myers, he built his life and career on Florida's Suncoast, where he and his wife now raise their son. A graduate of Fort Myers High School and the University of South Florida, Allen went on to spend over 20 years helping people navigate the financial system, working at investment firms and on technology that makes finance more accessible.
After years working in finance and economics and as a Scouting America leader, he is now running for Congress to bring practical problem-solving and accountability to Washington. He has spent years overseeing investments, regulatory compliance and has fought for market transparency — experience he believes gives him a real-world understanding of the economic challenges facing working families and retirees.
Allen is focused on expanding economic opportunities while protecting Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security for future generations. He believes elected officials should be accessible, listen to their constituents and put results ahead of partisan politics.
Allen is a candidate motivated by service rather than political ambition, committed to transparency, common-sense solutions and delivering for the people of Southwest Florida."
Florida State Senator Candidates
Martin Hyde
for District 22
Will be present
Martin Hyde — Independent for Florida State Senate, District 22
Florida State Representative Candidates
Ryan Neill
for District 74
Will be present
"I'm not a politician. I am a native Sarasotan, born and raised. I am a graduate of Sarasota High School and USF. I am acutely aware of the challenges facing the working families of Sarasota, from the rising cost of rent and housing to a livable wage, and affordable homeowners' insurance. My deep roots and personal experience in this community make me the most locally knowledgeable candidate to represent you.
My top priorities focus on the real challenges affecting Sarasota families. I am committed to tackling affordable housing and rent by passing legislation that prevents or restricts Wall Street Investment Firms from buying up single-family homes. If Wall Street wants to be landlords, they should buy apartment complexes. I also plan to support legislation to offer rebates to first-time home buyers who reside in the house for ten years. It is also time to look into legislation that reigns in the rising cost of rent."
Les Nichols
for District 74
"As a Marine Corps veteran, devoted husband, proud father of three, and grandfather of three, Les has spent his life serving his family, community, and country. Now, as a successful Sarasota businessman, he’s ready to take his dedication to the next level by representing District 74 in the Florida House of Representatives.
Les is committed to fighting for the Conservative values that matter most to Sarasota families—protecting our freedoms, strengthening our economy, and ensuring a brighter future for the next generation. But he can’t do it alone.
Your support will make all the difference in this mission. Join the movement today by donating to Les’s campaign. Every contribution helps us bring our message to more voters and ensures we can keep District 74 well represented in Tallahassee.
Get More With Les—Together, we can make it happen!"
Nick Pachota
for District 74
Jennifer Peeples Winkler
for District 74
Will be present
"As an experienced and successful business owner, in the top 2% of all female owned businesses in the USA, with insurance expertise, I can greatly help my district and the State of Florida. I want to make it more affordable for individuals and businesses to thrive. I want to assist businesses with workforce development opportunities utilizing the schools and talent in our local communities to grow and diversify our economy.
Founder of The Peeples Insurance Agency, I started my business in 2014 with a single goal: protecting Florida families while saving them money. Today, we operate 3 locations with 19 full-time employees and serve over 6,500 clients statewide. I understand our state’s insurance crisis because I live it every day. I’m an independent business owner who knows how to build, lead, and deliver real savings for the people of Florida.
I believe in hard work, urgency, and efficiency. I’m not just looking for a seat at the table, I’m ready to get to work alongside my fellow representatives to create positive, lasting change for our state."
Sarasota County Commissioner Candidates
Kristina Sargent
for District 2
Will be present
Kristina Sargent for Sarasota County Commission, District 2 | Sargent for Sarasota
"Mark Smith was elected to the Sarasota County Commission in November 2022. Smith is a long-time Sarasota resident. Born in Detroit, his family moved to Sarasota in 1963 and he graduated from Riverview High School in 1973. Smith earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Georgia Institute of Technology before returning to Sarasota with his family in 1990. In 1994, he started his own architectural firm, Smith Architects, P.A., which is located on Siesta Key. Smith has been active both in his profession and in the Siesta Key community, serving on the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Siesta Key Presidents Council, and the Sheriff’s Advisory Board. He is a past board member of the Siesta Key Association, Siesta Key Village Association, All Faiths Food Bank, and the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida.
Smith served as President of the Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 2007. He received the 2009 AIA Florida Silver Medal in recognition of his years of community leadership and service, and was awarded the 2024 AIA Florida Charles W. Clary, FAIA Government Service Award for advancing the cause of good design and planning and contributing to the dignity and value of the architectural profession as an elected official. Traffic, water and air quality, and affordable housing are some of the issues Smith focuses on as a Sarasota County Commissioner."
Jim DeNiro
for District 4
Will be present
"Jim DeNiro retired from the Sarasota Police Department as a Sergeant after a 30-year career spanning criminal investigations, narcotics enforcement, patrol operations, traffic and marine units, emergency management, and leadership of the Underwater Search and Recovery Unit.
In leadership roles, Jim managed unit budgets, personnel deployment, training costs, and equipment purchasing—experience he believes is essential as county spending continues to rise.
Jim is running to bring careful scrutiny, continued oversight, and renewed fiscal discipline to the Commission—while ensuring Sarasota County grows responsibly. That focus is especially critical after the County Commission approved a record $2.5 billion budget, drawing roughly $23 million from reserves."
Sarasota County School Board Candidates
"I live full time in Sarasota, on Lido Key with my husband Jerry Wells and daughter Mia who is in going into 4th grade J in our Sarasota County School System. My dad was a life science and biology teacher and then a high school principal. My mom was a high school math teacher. I saw firsthand the long hours and dedication a good school teacher puts into providing a well-rounded education for their students. I know what the good looks like from my parents and also from experiences with my own daughter. I graduated college with a BS degree in Health and Exercise Physiology, moved to New York, worked, and met my husband there. I beat him in a game of basketball, and then rest is history. My in-laws made Sarasota their home in the late 80’s, Jerry and I moved here full time 13 years ago and immediately got involved in various volunteer and leadership roles in the community.
I served as Southside Elementary School’s PTO President for the 2025-2026 school year and was elected to serve as President of Southside School Foundation for the Arts for the 2026-2027 school year. Southside is 1 of 2 schools that has a foundation for the arts in the County. I bring this up because I am 1 of 2 parents who have ever been elected to serve as both PTO president and SSFA president…why? Because I have earned the TRUST of the parents, I have earned the RESPECT of the teachers and staff, and the students know me because they see my presence day in and day out supporting our school."
"Teresa DeWitt is a licensed community counselor of 23 years who relocated to Sarasota 9 years ago with her husband and 6 month old twins from Arkansas.
Teresa obtained her BS in Business Management/Business Law from the University of Maryland.
Teresa obtained her Masters in Community Counseling and her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from John Brown University.
Teresa served in the Air National Guard for 6 years and during Desert Storm.
Teresa has 10 years experience in Sales and Management. She opened up 2 Pre-schools emphasizing in early childhood and Kindergarten Preparedness. Teresa was the Independent Living Coordinator for Foster Children for the Department of Social Services of the State of Maryland. Teresa was in private practice, school-based therapist, IFS services for families, and psychiatric care for children and teens.
Teresa conducted independent research and then assisted the Sarasota School Board while attending school board meetings. Teresa participated as a speaker and workshop leader to the Leadership Institute in Sarasota. Her twins attended The Lilly School then to Southside Elementary for Kindergarten. Teresa serves as a volunteer Sunday School Teacher for Bayside Church."
Jimmy Glover
for Seat 1
Will be present
Jimmy Glover for Sarasota School Board | Empower Sarasota Schools Today
Venice City Council Candidates
Lloyd Weed
for Seat 1
Will be present
"I moved to Venice as a child in 1971. My family quickly realized they had found paradise and set down roots. I arrived as a student in the 7th grade and have proudly called Venice my home ever since. My parents became local business owners and my siblings and I are all proud alumni of Venice High School. Over the past five decades as a Venice resident, I have witnessed firsthand the many changes that have taken place in our town. Some of those changes have been good, but I believe that we should always strive for excellence. Venice is my home, and it is also the home of my children and grandchildren. Four generations of our family live within these city limits along with lifelong friends and neighbors. Serving on the Venice City Council has allowed
me to invest even more deeply in this community that we all love.
I am asking for your vote so I can continue to help Venice preserve its unique culture and charm while carefully guiding our community into the future."
Chris Derback
for Seat 2
Will be present
Jenny Heussner
for Seat 2
Will be present
Jenny has successfully managed two regional sales offices. She has a proven track record of leading teams to success and driving double digit sales growth. She will bring strong leadership skills to the forefront along with high energy, enthusiasm, tenacity, and a desire to succeed. Above all, her strongest credentials are her genuine love and passion for the great place in which we live.
On a personal note her family is small but mighty. She has a wonderful daughter and two sisters. Jenny relocated to the area while caring for her father. She searched for a safe small town near Naples. She found Venice and like you, fell in love with it. Venice became home."
Rick Howard
for Seat 5
"Mr. Howard is the current Seat 5 Venice City Council representative; he is running for his second term. He is a Florida native who was born in Ft Myers and lived most of his life in Southwest Florida. After attending USF he began his career as a first responder paramedic for over a decade before moving to the business side of healthcare. After 30 years Mr. Howard retired from Corporate America as a Vice President where he managed 1200 employees across multiple states with annual budgets of $500 million.
As a business executive, fiscal accountability in terms of controlling expenses, retaining and growing market share was core to his success. Mr. Howard was a member of the global and divisional leadership committee and was a multi-year recipient of Region of the Year for fiscal and operational performance.
“Old Florida” is an expression you’ll hear Mr. Howard use often whether he’s talking about living in the City of Venice or the State of Florida as it relates to preserving our history and environment. Protecting our history and environment is everyone’s responsibility and a purpose Mr. Howard is very passionate about.
Venice was a frequent destination for Mr. Howard’s family since he was a child which continued throughout his life. He and his wife purchased property in Venice years ago in anticipation of retirement, purchased on the island so they could be closer to what makes Venice so special to them.
Mr. Howard and his wife Laurie have three daughters."
Rachel Frank
for Seat 6
Will be present
"Council Member Rachel Frank was appointed by the City Council in January 2022 to serve out the term of Seat 2. She was elected to Seat 6 in November 2022. She is running for reelection in 2026.
Ms. Frank was raised in Venice and attended Laurel Nokomis Middle School and Venice High School. She graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South with a degree in Political Science.
Ms. Frank currently serves as President for D‑R Media and Investments LLC, a family-owned media, entertainment and travel company based in Venice. The company owns and publishes 7 newspapers in 4 counties in Central Florida and promotes over 50 concerts annually across the state of Florida at Sun Events and manages a franchise travel agency called Cruise Planners.
She is also involved in her community, serving as a board member at Family Promise of South Sarasota County and Rotary Futures.
Ms. Frank is married to her husband Atticus, a financial analyst, and has four children, Nora, Lucy, John and Kate."
Jim Boldt
for Seat 7 (Mayor)
Will be present
Jim Boldt for Venice City Mayor – Jim Boldt for Venice City Mayor
Hospital Board Candidates
Patricia Maraia
for Seat 1
Southern District
Brad Baker
Will be present
for Seat 1
Nothern District
"Brad Baker is a dedicated public servant and proven conservative leader with decades of executive experience. Appointed by Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, Brad has a long history of executing policies that strengthen American communities and uphold conservative values.
Currently serving on the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Board, Brad has been instrumental in maintaining the hospital's status as a top-ranked public institution. He has championed fiscal responsibility while expanding access to world-class healthcare, including the development of new facilities in Venice and North Port.
A long-time resident of Sarasota County, Brad is deeply committed to ensuring that our local healthcare system remains independent, public, and focused on patient care rather than corporate interests. His leadership is defined by integrity, transparency, and an unwavering dedication to the health and well-being of our community."
Bridgette Fiorucci
for Seat 2
Central District