Three candidates file for County Commission District 2, but one withdraws

Matthew Cretul and Mike Crimi

The field of candidates seeking to replace longtime Marion County Commissioner Kathy Bryant in 2026 is shifting, with the first person to file for the District 2 seat now formally withdrawing her candidacy.

Bryant, who was first elected in 2010, has publicly confirmed she will not seek a fifth term on the Marion County Board of County Commissioners.

County Commissioners serve a four-year term and the annual salary, established by the State of Florida, is $110,896.

Republican candidates who qualify will face off in the primary election scheduled for Aug. 18, 2026.

To qualify, the candidates will need to either submit 2,659 candidate petitions signed by Marion County registered voters or pay a qualifying fee of $6,653.76 within the qualifying period of June 8 – 12, 2026.

First filer withdraws

Attorney Erica Hay, the first candidate to file for the open seat, told the “Gazette” that she has withdrawn from the race. Hay said she has already emailed Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox her decision.

In a telephone call with the “Gazette,” Hay cited “professional obligations” that would interfere with running an effective countywide campaign.

With Hay’s departure, two candidates remain: Mike Crimi and Matthew Cretul.

Mike Crimi (Republican)

Crimi, a medical provider and business owner in Belleview, submitted his background information to the “Gazette” via email. His experience includes more than 30 years in healthcare and multiple advanced degrees.

Crimi has served as a Florida-licensed Primary Care Provider/Physician Assistant since 1992. His education includes:

• Bachelor of Health Science, University of Florida
  • Master of medicine, University of Nebraska
  • Doctor of naturopathic medicine, St. Luke’s School of Medicine
  • Associate of arts and paramedic degrees, Central Florida Community College
  • Certified firefighter and smoke diver, Florida State Fire College
  • Lake Weir High School diploma

Crimi also noted his Army service from 1986–1989 as a combat medic, during which he earned the Expert Field Medical Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and was a Distinguished Honor Graduate.

His business interests include:

• Express Care of Belleview – Primary and Urgent Care (1996–present)
  • Belleview Imaging Center
  • Belleview Community Pharmacy
  • Home Advantage Home Health Care

He also listed his family: his wife, Tania Lorena Crimi; children Michael, Christina, Rachael and Evelyn; and four grandchildren — Brooke, Charlotte, Grant and Colby.

Crimi’s campaign materials articulate his “why” for running: “My why for being here today is to serve as I was raised to do. My life path has paved the way for Republican, Conservative Leadership.”

This will be Crimi’s second attempt at running for this seat. He ran against Bryant in 2018 and lost in the primary with 18,887 to Bryant’s 22,403 votes.

In 2018, Crimi reported raising almost $100,000 for his campaign.

Matthew Cretul (Republican)

Cretul, a legislative manager for Marion County and an adjunct professor at the University of Florida, also provided his background in an email. His professional, military and academic history spans public service, journalism, higher education and military duty.

Cretul served four years of active-duty military service within the Army Special Operations Forces from 2004–2009 as a Psychological Operations Specialist (37F). His service included a 15-month combat deployment to Ramadi, Iraq, and he noted he was honorably discharged, Airborne-qualified, Tagalog-language qualified, and received awards for achievement and service.

His academic background includes:
• Doctorate in mass communication (2021), University of Florida, specialization: health communication
• Master’s degree in mass communication (2013), University of Florida
• Bachelor’s degree in telecommunication (2011), University of Florida

His work history includes:
• Legislative manager, Marion County Board of County Commissioners (2022–present)
• Adjunct professor, UF College of Journalism and Communications (2013–present)
• Senior Reporter for Health and Government, “Gazette” (2021–2022)
• Legislative/Policy intern, Washington, D.C./New Port Richey (2019–2020)

Cretul also emphasized his motivation for seeking public office in an email.

“My reason for running is a combination of a desire to serve, to provide an informed, non-politician voice on the BCC, and to make Marion County the best it can be for future generations, including my own children,” Cretul wrote.

His service involvement includes roles with the United Way of Marion County, Partners in Education, and multiple University of Florida advisory and student-support initiatives.

Cretul’s last name may sound familiar in Marion County since his uncle, Larry Cretul, a lobbyist with Gray Robinson, served as a county commissioner for two terms in 1994 before being elected in 2002 to the Florida House of Representatives, serving as Speaker of the House from 2009 to 2010.