Michael Holderness eyes HD 71 bid to replace Will Robinson after Kristen Truong withdraws

Businessman and former Fire Commissioner Michael Holderness is weighing a run for the House after Kristen Truong withdrew from the race to succeed term-limited Bradenton Republican Rep. Will Robinson.

That opens the door for a reshaped GOP Primary for House District 71 in Manatee County. Holderness, a conservative business leader, said he is “seriously considering” entering the contest in response to Truong’s departure. Holderness said he will meet with key stakeholders over the coming weeks to thoroughly evaluate the impact his candidacy could have on the race.

“Kristen Truong’s departure creates a profound opening in this race, and it’s one that I believe requires a strong, conservative voice rooted in our community,” Holderness said in a statement.

“I am humbled by the initial outreach from supporters who have encouraged me to step forward and explore this opportunity. This is not a decision to be made lightly, but I am listening closely to the needs and concerns of my fellow Manatee County Republicans.”

Truong announced her withdrawal from the race Thursday, though she has yet to file official paperwork for the move. 

“After careful consideration, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from my campaign for Florida House District 71,” Truong said in a statement.

“I’m deeply appreciative of the support and trust so many have placed in me throughout this process. It has been an honor to connect with so many members of our community and hear directly about the issues that matter most. While this particular chapter is coming to a close, my commitment to our community and to the issues we care about remains strong, and I look forward to continuing to stay engaged in meaningful ways.”

Holderness is a lifelong Manatee County resident, founder of Beachside Management and owner of two Siesta Key resorts. Holderness served as a Florida delegate to the 2022 Republican National Convention, where he voted to nominate Donald Trump for President. 

He is also a dedicated advocate for property rights and environmental stewardship, key issues in rapidly developing Manatee County that would likely be a part of his platform.

Holderness is party to a controversial land swap deal with Sarasota County where he received land on Siesta Key valued at millions of dollars more than the land he conveyed to the county. The land swap was meant to resolve disputes with Holderness about public beach access on his land, but the deal itself ended up drawing controversy and an ongoing lawsuit, according to reporting by Derek Gilliam with Suncoast Searchlight.

If he files, Holderness would challenge Melton Little and Jordan Varnadore in the GOP Primary. Little has raised nearly $188,000 via his campaign account and more than $30,000 through his political committee as of the end of last year. Varnadore’s campaign has raised nearly $32,000, plus another $3,000 through the Protecting Manatee Values PC, in that time frame.

The winner of the Primary is set to face Democrat Marie Masferrer in the General Election.

“This is a crucial moment for Manatee County,” Holderness said.

“We need leadership that understands our unique challenges and is prepared to fight for our conservative values. Residents deserve an authentic conservative who has and will continue to share not only their values and beliefs but can balance Manatee’s economic development with its natural beauty and resources.  I will make an announcement regarding my final decision soon.”