Scott Johnson is running for Manatee County Mosquito Control District Group 1 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. The nonpartisan race also includes Charles Richards and Rodney O'Quinn.

Asked why he is running, Johnson said in our candidate questionnaire: "I care deeply about our community and the important role the District plays in protecting public health. Mosquito control may not be something people think about every day, but its work is essential to preventing disease and protecting the quality of life we enjoy in Manatee County."

Candidate information

Full name: Scott Douglas Johnson

Residence: Palmetto, per his filing with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections

Party affiliation: "Republican," Johnson said in our questionnaire. The mosquito control race is nonpartisan.

Education: "USF Tampa," Johnson said in our questionnaire.

Occupation: "I am the Territory Sales Rep for the state of Florida with Windsorone. I have been in sales in the builder supply area for the last 25 years," Johnson said in our questionnaire.

Family: "I have been married to my wife, Bethany, for 28 years, and we are blessed with three children: Christian, Mackenzie, and Ansley," Johnson said in our questionnaire. He added: "Christian proudly serves in the U.S. Air Force … Mackenzie is a teacher in Manatee County. Our youngest daughter, Ansley, works as a buyer at the Lands' End corporate office."

Previous elected or appointed office: "N/A," Johnson said in our questionnaire.

Campaign finance: Johnson raised $250 in monetary contributions during the Sept. 5–18, 2026, reporting period with no expenditures, according to Manatee County campaign finance filings. He filed his campaign treasurer form on June 10, 2026.

On the issues

What sets him apart: "What sets me apart is my commitment to understanding the job before asking voters to trust me with it," Johnson said in our questionnaire. "For the past six months, I have attended every Manatee County Mosquito Control District Board meeting and budget hearing. I have listened, asked questions, and taken the time to understand the challenges facing our District."

Johnson said he supports "the District's fiscally responsible approach, including lowering ad valorem taxes 6.3% below the rollback rate while avoiding unnecessary growth in the budget or workforce."

Qualifications: Johnson said in our questionnaire that he has "successfully managed large customer relationships, negotiated contracts, developed business, and made decisions that required careful consideration of budgets, priorities, and long-term results."

Best advice: Johnson said in our questionnaire: "Listen more than you speak, do your homework, and always make decisions based on facts—not assumptions."

The Nov. 3 general election ballot will list all three candidates for the Group 1 seat.