Charles "Rick" Richards is running for the Manatee County Mosquito Control District Group 1 seat in the Tuesday, Nov. 3, general election. The nonpartisan race also includes Rodney O'Quinn and Scott Johnson, according to BallotReady election data.

Richards has raised $1,200, according to Manatee County Supervisor of Elections campaign-finance filings reported by The Ballot Brief. Three candidates are certified for the ballot.

Candidate information

  • Name: Charles "Rick" Richards
  • Office sought: Manatee County Mosquito Control District, Group 1
  • Party: Nonpartisan
  • Election date: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026
  • Ballot status: Certified for the ballot
  • Business: Owner of Rick Richards Inc., which provides native plant community restoration and land management services to agricultural landowners, municipalities and utility providers, according to his campaign website

Experience and public service

Richards said he has worked as a land management professional since 1984, with experience in ecological management and remediation, according to his campaign website. His company, Rick Richards Inc., serves agricultural landowners, municipalities and utility providers, Richards said.

He serves as a member of the Manatee County Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee, known as ELMAC, according to a county agenda document. The committee advises the county on environmental land acquisition and management.

Richards also said he has served as a fire commissioner with the Myakka City Fire Control District, according to his candidate response on The Ballot Brief.

On the issues

Mosquito control methods: Richards said he favors biological control methods over excessive chemical spraying, according to his candidate response on The Ballot Brief.

Role of government in mosquito control: Richards said he believes the current board and management are doing a good job but that mosquito control has gone too far as a government responsibility. He said he wants the public to take more responsibility for control alongside government efforts, according to his campaign website.

Community education: Richards said he proposes more community education on mosquito management, according to his candidate response on The Ballot Brief.

Budget management: Richards said he emphasizes cost-effective solutions and efficient budget management for the Mosquito Control District, according to his candidate response on The Ballot Brief.

Endorsements

The following endorsements appear on Richards' campaign website:

  • Lucy V. Nicandri, Suncoast Charities for Children, who said she supports Richards as "a devoted family man, a successful business owner, and a dedicated public servant."
  • Danny Cacchiotti, retired fire chief, who said he has known Richards through his service as a fire commissioner with the Myakka City Fire Control District and praised his leadership and integrity.