MANATEE -- After long-time Supervisor of Elections Bob Sweat announced he would retire, Jane Von Hahmann has signed up to run to replace him, according to the elections’ office website.

Von Hahmann was elected as a Manatee County commissioner for District 3 in 2000, defeating incumbent Stan Stephens. She served until 2008, when she was unseated by John Chappie.

District 3 includes Anna Maria Island, the village of Cortez, northwest Bradenton and Palma Sola.

Von Hahmann joins first-time political candidate Rodney P. Smithley, 58, owner of Smokey’s Glass in Bradenton, who has previously told The Herald he had thought about run- ning for elections supervisor since Sweat’s predecessor, Jerome Davis, was in office.

Smithley said he would be a “hands-on” supervisor, but that he did not anticipate making too many changes to the elections office.

Sweat’s long-time assistant, Nancy Bignell, does not plan to run for the job after her boss retires later this year, she said Friday.

Bignell, assistant supervisor of elections, said in an email that she planned to retire when her boss does.

“I have been giving considerable thought as to whether or not I should run for Supervisor of Elections,” she wrote.

“I have received encouragement from Bob Sweat and so many members of the community to continue my career with the elections office,” she continued.

“The decision has been very difficult for me, as I have been with the elections office for 20 years, and have enjoyed what I do; but at this point in my life, I feel that it is in my best personal interest to retire at the end of Bob’s current term.”

She hoped to thank all who had encouraged her and pledged support.

Sweat, a Republican, announced earlier this month he would not be running for re-election in November. This year will be Sweat’s 28th as head of the elections office.

Sara Kennedy, Herald reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7031.