Manatee County Commissioner Mike Rahn has launched his re-election campaign, framing his first term around storm recovery, infrastructure upgrades and holding the line on taxes as Manatee County continues to grapple with growth and post-hurricane rebuilding.
Rahn, a Marine Corps veteran who represents District 4, said his campaign is rooted in tangible results delivered during a period marked by major storms and increasing pressure on county infrastructure. He faces a challenge from Republican Glen Gibellina.
“We’ve delivered real results for District 4 by rebuilding stronger after the hurricanes, slowing unsustainable growth, investing in critical infrastructure, and holding the line on taxes,” Rahn said. “I’m running for re-election to continue doing the hard work that protects neighborhoods, respects taxpayers, and keeps Manatee County financially sound and prepared for the future.”
Rahn, who served as Commission Chair in 2024, said his re-election effort will center on hurricane recovery, infrastructure investment, growth management, fiscal restraint and public safety. He highlighted work to accelerate hurricane recovery efforts following recent storms, prioritize infrastructure repairs, and strengthen flood mitigation, while ensuring county resources were deployed quickly to assist residents rebuilding their homes and neighborhoods.
Rahn has pushed for congestion and safety improvements along U.S. 41 and other major corridors in District 4, including traffic-signal optimization aimed at reducing travel times. He emphasized reinvestment in established communities over outward sprawl, but indicated that growth should be balanced with protections for existing neighborhoods and coastal areas.
He also highlighted consistent efforts to keep property taxes low, oppose what he views as unnecessary spending and streamline county operations. His record includes eliminating fees at county parks and county transit and backing changes intended to increase efficiency and accountability across county government.
Rahn also supports efforts to fully fund the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and has spearheaded efforts to install approximately 3,000 streetlights countywide — a step he said has contributed to neighborhood safety.
As Chair of the SeaPort Manatee Port Authority, Rahn has worked to balance economic activity with traffic, infrastructure capacity, and the impact on surrounding neighborhoods. He believes the port should operate with the same level of accountability expected of the county government.
Rahn is a lifelong Southwest Florida resident, and served 13 years in the United States Marine Corps in both active and reserve duty including service during Operation Desert Storm. He was honorably discharged after earning multiple meritorious citations.
