Mike Rahn
Republican Mike Rahn is a lifelong Manatee/Sarasota resident and U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm, and has worked in residential mortgage lending for more than 35 years. He is a former president of the Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association and former vice chair of the county Planning Commission. Elected in November 2022, he chaired the commission in 2024 and won the August 2026 primary with 67.5%; he faces a write-in candidate in November.
How they got on the ballot: Won Aug 18 GOP primary with 67.47% (4,055)
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Sources last checked 2026-10-07. Report an error ↗
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.
Environment & water Leans disagree· based on record
Voted in October 2023 with the 5-1 majority to cut the county's wetland buffer requirements to the state minimum, saying he trusted state standards; in April 2025 he cast the lone vote against transmitting a plan amendment to restore the larger local buffers, citing state law (SB 250).
"I'm a huge fan of protecting our environment, protecting our watersheds and doing the things we need to do to make sure our kids and grandkids have safe drinking water"
Growth & development Leans disagree· based on record
Cast the lone vote on Sept. 2, 2025 against joining the lawsuit challenging SB 180, the state law limiting local development restrictions, preferring to lobby for changes. In August 2024 he voted for a 50% phased impact-fee increase but opposed delaying it to pursue a larger increase, arguing developers pass fees on to buyers.
"We can join this lawsuit at any time"
Crime & policing Leans agree· stated position
His official county biography says he believes in supporting the military, law enforcement and first responders.
No public position found on 4 issues
We searched campaign sites, questionnaires, interviews, votes and official actions and did not find a clear stance on: Taxes & spending, Property taxes, Housing affordability, Veterans. 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
No additional issues found in public statements as of the last data review.