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A Manatee County commissioner is guaranteed to lose his seat on the podium in Tuesday’s Republican primary.
3rd District Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge changed his candidacy in May to challenge incumbent 7th District Commissioner George Kruse in the upcoming Republican primary rather than continue his attempt at re-election for the 3rd District seat.
The 7th District seat is an open-to-all seat on the panel, meaning that unlike district-specific elections, Republican voters from across the county can cast their ballots in this race.
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Van Ostenbridge and Kruse became friends four years ago through well-known consultant Anthony Pedicini, who guided the two commissioners, as well as former commissioners James Satcher and Vanessa Baugh, to election victory in their bids for the offices in 2020. The quartet received significant support from developers and voted largely unanimously on controversial issues, including developer-friendly measures, for about two years.
Their alliance has since broken down. Kruse now often votes against the commissioners still represented by Pedicini, Baugh resigned mid-term after his own disputes, and Satcher was appointed election supervisor.
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The two commissioners have been at the center of controversy during their tenures. Van Ostenbridge was investigated and acquitted for using public funds to buy a list of emails and voter information from Third Ward residents. He was investigated but not prosecuted for stealing a bougainvillea. He is a driving force behind the controversial plan to build a parking garage in Holmes Beach, which met with vocal opposition from many voters in his district.
Legal proceedings were initiated against Kruse on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, but the case was dropped by the public prosecutor’s office in 2023.
Developer financing favors Van Ostenbridge
Van Ostenbridge has received strong support from real estate developers, with his campaign reportedly raising $238,344 through Aug. 2, including about $13,566 since announcing his switch to running for candidate on Aug. 2. Much of his funding comes from political action committees or companies tied to local real estate developers, although many private individuals have also made small contributions.
Kruse has raised $66,288, including about $23,300 donated since Van Ostenbridge switched his candidacy. The bulk of Kruse’s funds came from small contributions from many individuals, although he also received some PAC funds and donations from corporations.
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Van Ostenbridge has spent at least $203,517, leaving him with about $34,826 in unspent funds. He has spent at least $184,698 since announcing his candidacy change, and at least $178,500 of that has been spent on Pedicini’s consulting firm, SIMWINS.
Kruse has spent $38,385, leaving him with about $27,900 left. He has spent at least $28,363 of his funds since Van Ostenbridge changed his candidacy, and at least $14,549 of that was spent on signs and mailing services from Gulf Coast Imprinting.
The Republican candidate is being challenged by Democrat Sari A. Lindroos-Valimaki and write-in candidate Nathan Meyer. Lindroos-Valimaki has raised $10,403, mostly through small donations from individuals and contributions to her own campaign. Meyer has not raised any funds.
