Gulf Coast Builders Exchange endorses John Colon for Manatee County Commission

The Gulf Coast Builders Exchange has endorsed John Colon for a seat on the Manatee County Commission, picking up support in a race that has separate building groups endorsing rival candidates.

"I am pleased and honored to be endorsed by the leading organization of prominent business people and entrepreneurs in Manatee County," said Colon, a Republican running for the District 5 seat now held by Donna Hayes, who is not running for re-election.

District 5 is comprised of neighborhoods in East Manatee, including Lakewood Ranch.

Last week, the Home Builders Association Manatee-Sarasota endorsed a second Republican in the race, businesswoman Vanessa Baugh. She also has been endorsed by the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, although Colon, a senior vice president with Wells Fargo Advisors, said other endorsements were issued before he became an official candidate.

As of March 31, Baugh had raised almost $35,000 for her campaign. Colon had raised slightly more than $21,000, according to the Manatee County supervisor of elections office.

James T. Golden, the only Democrat in the race, has raised a little more than $4,000.