Jonathan Mullis
Mullis holds a doctorate in physical therapy from Simmons University and ran a practice in Massachusetts before moving to Manatee County in 2017, where he founded Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida. The son of two teachers, he has two daughters in Manatee schools, is president of the Bradenton Kiwanis Club and sits on the Manatee Tiger Bay Club board. He led the Aug. 18, 2026 District 5 primary with about 35%.
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Positions on the major issues
Compare with opponents →Each entry describes what the candidate has said or done, and what they say they will do, in neutral terms with sources. The chip shows how that relates to the statement voters rate in the matching tool.
Taxes & spending Leans disagree· stated position
At the Oct. 1 League forum Mullis said he supported the 2024 one-mill school property tax and expects to support renewing some level of it in 2028 to keep paying teachers, while sizing it to what the district needs. His campaign site also calls for responsible budgeting.
"I will most likely support something."
Education & school choice Mixed / neutral· stated position
Mixed. Mullis calls himself a strong supporter of school choice and lists it on his campaign site, but at the Oct. 1 League forum he said he does not agree with the Legislature's removal of the scholarship income limits, which sends checks to families already paying for private or home school, and wants the program modified.
"I'd like to see the legislature make some modifications to it."
Library and classroom materials Mixed / neutral· stated position
At the Oct. 1 League forum Mullis said he is not in favor of removing books entirely but wants library books to be age-appropriate, possibly restricting some to older grades, and that the district should follow its review policy promptly. He has also said the district should follow its existing policies.
"I'm not a fan of taking the books out completely, but I definitely think we need to have books age appropriate."
School safety approach Leans agree· stated position
His site says he supports strong safety measures including school resource officers and clear discipline policies to maintain order and respect; it does not mention counselors or mental-health staffing.
"Supporting strong safety measures, including resource officers"
No public position found on 3 issues
We searched campaign sites, questionnaires, interviews, votes and official actions and did not find a clear stance on: Property taxes, Gender identity laws, Teacher and staff pay. This is reported as unknown rather than guessed from party affiliation; these issues are excluded from this candidate's match score.
Other issues this candidate has raised
- School volunteers — Mullis proposes recruiting large numbers of community volunteers and mentors into schools, comparing it to how hospitals rely on volunteers.
Endorsements (as reported)
- The Bradenton Times (editorial recommendation; published Sept. 29)