On Tuesday, March 24, voters in Florida House District 51 — covering much of the north side of Polk county, including northern parts of unincorporated Lakeland — will elect a new state representative.
In order to vote in the special election, residents of HD 51 must be registered by Feb. 23, at least 30 days before the election.
Who is running in HD 51?
There are two candidates running in the special election.
Hilary Holley (Rep) is originally from Punta Gorda and currently serves as director of development with the Florida FFA Foundation. Holley has raised $71,056.00 from 116 contributions. 37% of the funds came from political action committees (PAC).
Edwin Perez (Dem) is a resident and community leader in Haines City. He has raised $7,656.63 from 108 contributions, including a $2,000 loan from himself.
The election will fill the vacancy left when Josie Tomkow (Rep) resigned on Nov 7, 2025, to run in a special election for Florida Senate District 14.
Special Election: When, Where, How
When is the special election? March 24, 2026
Who can vote? Voters who live in HD 51 and are registered to vote at least 30 days in advance — by Feb. 23. Lakeland residents who live north of W. Socrum Loop are likely in HD 51.
How do I register?
- Register online
- Print and mail registration form — Return completed and signed forms by mail to: Supervisor of Elections, P.O. Box 1460, Bartow FL, 33831, or drop the form off at an election office.
Where do I vote? Click here to find your precinct. Polls will be open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on March 24.
Can I vote early in the special election? Early voting runs from March 14-21 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at three locations:
- Davenport: Polk Sheriffs NE District Office, Community Room, 1100 Dunson Road
- Lake Alfred: NE Polk Government Center, 200 Government Center Blvd
- Polk City: Donald Bronson Community Center, 124 Bronson Trail
Can I vote by mail in the special election?
To vote by mail, request a ballot before every election. For this special election, ballots must be requested by Thursday, March 12.
Completed ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections by 7 p.m. on March 24. Ballots can be returned by mail, dropped off at early voting sites during voting hours, or returned to Election Headquarters in Bartow or the Election Operations Center in Winter Haven on weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
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