Dear Manatee County Democratic Party Supporters:
This week, Republicans in the Florida Legislature approved an extreme gerrymandering plan that significantly reshapes CD-16. The new map adds parts of five counties—Pinellas, Sarasota, DeSoto, Hardee, and Polk—to Manatee while removing Hillsborough County entirely.
But here's what they don't understand: No matter how they draw these lines, no matter how convoluted they make the districts, voters across Florida are fed up with Republican corruption and chaos. People are ready for change.
The real motive behind this redistricting is clear from their own graphics—they want Democratic voters to give up before the fight even begins. They want us to believe our votes don't count and that Republican victory is inevitable. Don't fall for it.
Introducing Next Wave Manatee: a group created by and for Manatee County voters under 35. We’re done with the same old politics of previous generations. It’s time to come together—talk, organize, and push for the issues that matter to our generation. Meet candidates, learn about local, state, and national policy, and help make Manatee a better place to live, work, and play.
On January 13, 2026, the MCDEC steering committee approved the creation of a Young Voter Engagement Committee, to be headed by Ocean Fitts, and Next Wave Manatee was born.
"It is important that our younger voters have their own space to explore the issues facing Manatee County, meet candidates and find other like-minded voters." says Christine Kennedy Meier, MCDP Chair. "When I met Ocean, I just knew we'd found the right person to launch this new initiative"
Ocean Fitts, Committee Chair, is assembling a leadership team and planning the first Next Wave Manatee event.
Click the link below to get on the list for early access or to join the leadership team.
Locally raised donations stay here in our community. Our important work securing democracy at the local level takes resources. The Manatee Democratic Party relies on donations from neighbors like you to help fight voter suppression & spread the word about issues.
Join the the BIG BLUE TEAM. The Manatee County Democratic Party is ready for the fight for Manatee's Future in the 2026 mid-term elections. We're lining up candidates on the ballot, organizing our outreach teams and working to register new voters. Want to be part of building a history making team? Sign up today.
Turn your anger into action. As the 2026 election approaches, we will have opportunities for you to roll-up your sleeves and help take our county, state & country back.
Do you have a special interest or want to get together with other Democrats that live nearby? The MCDP has 12 different groups for you to explore.