Polk County Commissioner for District 2, eight years in the seat. A Bartow native, second-generation cattleman, and former NASCAR Cup driver. Endorsed by the Polk County REC and by Sheriff Grady Judd.
In their own words
- Voted against putting a half-cent sales tax increase on the ballot in November 2023 — a measure that would have raised roughly $2.1 billion for road projects over twenty years. The motion failed 4–1. source
- Backed the stations that answer the calls: the Bradley Fire Rescue station, a $1.42 million land purchase for a new fire and EMS station in south Lakeland, and the Masterpiece Road station in Bartow that opened in June 2025. source
- "Helping to create meaningful job opportunities for Polk's residents." source
- "Committed to making the county's public transportation network stronger through transportation planning." source
- "Preserving the county's natural resources and environmental lands." source
Priorities as the candidate states them, each linked to where they said it. Listing a candidate is not an endorsement unless this page says so.
Rick Wilson is a Polk County native who has never lived anywhere else. He is a second-generation cattleman and second generation in his family's heavy equipment business, and before public office he ran 206 NASCAR Cup races.
He was appointed to the Board of County Commissioners in October 2018 when the seat came open early, elected by nearly two to one that November, and re-elected in 2022. District 2 is one of five county commission districts; commissioners are elected countywide, so every Polk County voter votes in this race whether or not they live in the district.
Who has endorsed him
The Polk County Republican Executive Committee endorsed Wilson unanimously on August 3, 2026. Sheriff Grady Judd endorsed him on camera in July. He has also been endorsed by the Polk County Professional Firefighters (IAFF Local 3531), Business Voice of Greater Lakeland, the Lakeland Realtors, and Frostproof City Council member Austin Gravley.
Why this race is decided in August
Every candidate for this seat was a Republican, which under Florida's universal primary rule opened the August 2026 contest to every registered Polk County voter — Republican, Democrat, or no party affiliation. There was no runoff and no November opponent: the primary decided the seat outright, and Rick Wilson won a four-year term.
About this office
The Board of County Commissioners sets the county budget and property tax rate, adopts the land development code, and directs county roads, utilities, and public safety. About 84 percent of Polk County is unincorporated, and that unincorporated land is the commission's ground — cities approve most new housing, while the county is responsible for the roads, water, and emergency services underneath all of it.