3 Incumbents from Bradenton Beach Retain Their Positions, Alongside One Open Seat

Bradenton Beach Elections Update

Qualifying for Bradenton Beach’s Nov. 4 elections ended on Aug. 29 with no contested races. Three incumbents have qualified for three available posts, while the seat left vacant by Commissioner Jan Vosburgh remains unfilled.

Mayor John Chappie, a long-time resident of the city, has qualified for the mayoral position. With no challengers, he automatically secures another two-year term. Chappie has held office for over 12 years across two tenures and aims to continue guiding the city through its recovery from the 2024 hurricanes. He has also served on the city commission for six years.

The city commission is divided into four wards or districts, but representatives are elected through a citywide poll.

Commissioner Debbie Scaccianoce, who was appointed in December 2023, has also qualified and, due to a lack of opposition, automatically wins a two-year term representing Ward 1.

Commissioner Ralph Cole has qualified for a one-year term and, facing no competition, is likewise returned to office. Cole previously lost his Ward 3 seat but regained it following changes to the city’s ward boundaries.

Commissioner Jan Vosburgh, who has served since 2013, has opted not to seek reelection. Consequently, no candidates qualified for the Ward 4 seat. According to the city charter, any vacancy on the commission will be filled by an appointment rather than through a public election.

After Vosburgh’s departure in November, the commission will publicly seek candidates to fill the open two-year term from within the ward.

Bradenton Beach commissioners receive $400 per month, while the mayor earns $800 per month.