Registered voters throughout Polk County can vote in the Nov. 8 election for Polk County Commission, District 4, which represents portions of east Polk. It is the only County Commission race on this year’s ballot. First-term Commissioner Rick Wilson of Bartow was re-elected without opposition. The five-member Board of County Commissioners serves as the legislative body setting policy for Polk County government. Terms of office are four years.
Martha Santiago (incumbent)
- Republican
- Winter Haven, age 67
- Website
- Campaign finance
- Campaign slogan: Proven Leadership Making Polk County the Best County It Can Be
- Endorsements: Sheriff Grady Judd, Business Voice, (Lakeland Chamber of Commerce), Lakeland Association of Realtors, East Polk Association of Realtors, Polk County Builders Association
Markeishia L. Smith
- Democrat
- Haines City, age 41
- Website
- Personal Facebook | Business Facebook
- Campaign finance
- Campaign slogan: Standing for All of Polk County
- Endorsements: Florida Rep. Michelle Rayner-Goolsby, the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, attorney Daryl Parks.
News
- Incumbent Santiago challenged by newcomer Smith – The Ledger, Oct. 19
