George Kruse Files for Re-election

Let's bring common sense and a local focus back to the Commission

Bradenton, FL - Current At-Large Commissioner George Kruse announced today he has filed the necessary paperwork to seek re-election for the Manatee Board of County Commissioners, District 7. George has spent the past three years in office honoring past campaign promises by focusing on the everyday local concerns of Manatee residents like expanding housing options, funding infrastructure, lowering taxes and improving our environment. He has worked diligently to bring common sense conservative solutions to local issues in order to lower Manatee's cost of living while improving its quality of life.

"Manatee County is growing out of its small-town roots and its current and future residents need a Board committed to focusing on real, local issues and not wasting taxpayer time and resources on issues that are outside the purview of a local official. We are making great strides, and our County is at the precipice of greatness, but much work still needs to be done. Our recent focus on removing regulations to spur the development of housing for our teachers, nurses, young professionals and first responders, as well as our underhoused Veterans, has been extremely successful but we can't let our foot off the gas these next four years," Kruse stated.

“The citizens of Manatee County deserve a government that focuses on local issues, not grandstanding. A government that focuses on efficiency and cost savings, not consolidating power. A government rooted in the ideals of transparency, with a fundamental desire to allow all residents to be heard, not just a select few.”

“Recent elections have resulted in the bulldozing of our County, both literally and figuratively. I truly believe the voters of Manatee County have seen enough of the status quo within past disingenuous campaigns. All these campaigns have achieved is the status quo within our governance. The voters want to hear from candidates, and more importantly, they want to be heard. They want to learn why we’re the best candidate, not manipulated by attacks against others. They want candidates, and ultimately representatives, that will listen to, and work for, everyone in Manatee County, not just pander to the unfortunately small, primary voter base. We must collectively work to expand the size of our informed primary base if we want to break this cycle.”

“In 2024, I will run my own campaign with the incredible support I’ve already been offered by the community and not with paid consultants. I will not bundle checks from LLC’s or PAC’s that give a select few any perceived influence. I will attend all debates and continuously speak with the community without hiding behind scripts and pre-vetted, “friendly” events. Finally, I will pledge to focus on the local issues that affect your day-to-day lives and the positives of my proposed policies.”

“I believe Manatee County will thrive and grow stronger for all residents with solid, common sense conservative governance. Together, we can break the cycle of our recent elections and the infiltration of performance politics into our campaigns and onto our dais. Together, we can make Manatee County a great place to live, work and be proud to call home.”

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George Kruse has called the area home since the mid-1980s and Manatee County home since 2008. A graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School in1993, George went on to receive degrees in both Business Management and Finance from the University of Florida and subsequently received his MBA in real estate finance from Columbia Business School in 2003. George has made a lifelong career in commercial real estate finance.

George and his family have been deeply involved with the community since planting their roots here. Upon graduating from Leadership Manatee in 2019, George made it his mission to utilize his background and skill sets to improve Manatee County for its current and future residents. He has taken numerous roles throughout the community including being a Board member of Manatee Tiger Bay and Leadership Manatee Alumni Association. He is active with the Republican Executive Committee, Bradenton Kiwanis, the Chamber of Commerce, and various community/educational activities throughout the year. His wife, Jess, is a consultant with various nonprofit organizations; their son, a Junior at Parrish Community HS, is involved with both travel and high school ice hockey; and their daughter, a Freshman at Lakewood Ranch HS, is involved with both travel and high school soccer. They share their home with their rescue dog, Oreo.

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Paid for by George Kruse, Republican, for Manatee County Commission, District 7