Polk County Commission

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
Facebook
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.