Image courtesy FloridaRedistricting.gov

Every incumbent representing Sarasota and Manatee counties in the Florida Legislature has somewhere to run in 2022. Rep. Tommy Gregory, R-Sarasota, announced this week he will move to Manatee County to run the proposed House District 72.

“It has been an honor to represent Manatee County, and I look forward to continue representing them and this region,” Gregory said.  “We’ve worked hard in the Florida Legislature to be a voice for our community’s strong, conservative values and will continue to do so as we work with Gov. DeSantis in the Free State of Florida.”

The Florida Legislature last week approved new maps as part of a once-a-decade redistricting process, and the cartography is now under review by the Florida Supreme Court. The new District 72 covers much of Manatee County already represented by Gregory the last four years in his current District 73, but not his home in Sarasota County. By moving, that means he won’t live in the same district, House District 74, as Rep. James Buchanan, R-Venice. Before announcing his decision, Gregory said he would run wherever he lived. He acknowledged putting a poll in the field but said the results did not impact his decision to run.

The move also means an incumbent in District 72, where Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh previously considered running. She is not expected to give up her county seat to run against an incumbent now.

Meanwhile, Buchanan is now filed to run for reelection unopposed in a district that now covers much of east Sarasota County. 

Additionally, Rep. Fiona McFarland plans to run in the new House District 73, which covers the Sarasota County coast from Sarasota to Venice.  Independent Conner Trombley, who previously filed to challenge McFarland, now lives in District 74 with Buchanan.

Rep. Will Robinson, R-Bradenton, plans to run in District 71, which is largely similar to his existing district of the same number.

Maps also now include part of Sarasota County in District 75, where Rep. Mike Grant, R-Port Charlotte, has filed for re-election as well. An open House District 70 seat also now includes parts on Manatee and Hillsborough counties. Ellenton Republican Dennis Cooley has already filed for that seat, the only candidate living in the district’s new lines to do so to date.

Meanwhile, Sens. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, and Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, plan to run in Senate Districts 20 and 22 respectively. Gruters’ district sheds any portion of Charlotte County in exchange for a piece of South Manatee, and Boyd’s district becomes more compact, but both live in districts similar to ones the represent now. Neither faces opposition to date.

Image courtesy FloridaRedistricting.gov