Robert McCann defeats DeSantis appointee Turner in District 5 Republican primary race

Jason Dill
·1 min read

Robert “Bob” McCann defeated incumbent Ray Turner, earning 5,744 votes (54.31%), in the Republican primary for the Manatee County Commission District 5 seat.

McCann, who raised $41,431, has lived in Bradenton’s District 5 for 18 years. A Chicago native, McCann is a doctor and lawyer. He ran his campaign on the following policies: addressing traffic congestion issues, completing Premier Park in Lakewood Ranch and supporting housing for veterans.

Turner held the District 5 county commission seat since August 2023, when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed him to replace Vanessa Baugh, who resigned in June 2023.

Turner, who was born in Australia, has lived in Manatee County for more than 20 years, according to his campaign website. Turner, who raised $89,220 for his campaign, serves on the Manatee County Planning Commission and is the secretary for the Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association.

According to his website, Turner’s campaign policies include traffic-reducing infrastructure projects, tax cuts for Manatee County residents and supporting the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

McCann’s win means he’ll advance to November’s general election against Joseph Di Bartolomeo, an Independent.

District 5 includes Lakewood Ranch and parts of East Bradenton.

The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Commissioner Ray Turner is pictured during a Manatee County Commission meeting on April 24, 2024.
Commissioner Ray Turner is pictured during a Manatee County Commission meeting on April 24, 2024.

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