Endorsements
The people who work with him are the ones backing him.
Every endorsement here was made this cycle, by someone whose own job depends on the Polk County Commission working.
The endorsement that travels in Polk County
Sheriff Grady Judd is with Rick Wilson.
“Because we're from Polk County, if you weren't the best, I wouldn't be standing here.”
Judd did not send a statement. He stood next to Rick Wilson on camera and said it. He called him conservative, in his words “you conserve water, you conserve resources.” He said Wilson is not just managing today but visioning for the future. Then he asked Polk County for four more years of him.
This is the man who runs law enforcement in Polk County, talking about the board that funds it. His political committee put money behind the endorsement too.
Sheriff Grady Judd endorsing Rick Wilson. Posted by the campaign, July 31, 2026.
Read the transcript
Sheriff JuddHello, everyone. Sheriff Grady Judd here. I’m with my friend, Commissioner Rick Wilson.
Rick WilsonHey, and it’s great to be here today on a beautiful day.
Sheriff JuddOh, I’m telling you. And do you know, when I think about Rick Wilson, I automatically think about Polk County. We’re both born and raised here. And, in fact, it’s an honor that you would give of your time to be a county commissioner.
Rick WilsonWell, I enjoy it. I love working for this county and making it better. I enjoy working with you, making this county safer.
Sheriff JuddCommissioner, what I like is you’re conservative. Yes, you conserve water. You conserve resources. You do what’s best for the people of Polk County, and that is important. And that’s why people are flooding here. They’re seeking a community that has the kind of leadership that you are doing every day. And that’s why we’re successful. And that’s why I love working with you. And that’s why I love our commissioners, because you’re not just managing today; you’re visioning for the future. But we need your experience over the next four years to continue that vision, continue that leadership, and make good things happen.
Rick WilsonI agree. And I will continue to fight for Polk County and the people of this county to make this a better county, if it’s possible to do.
Sheriff JuddAnd you know, because we’re from Polk County, if you weren’t the best, I wouldn’t be standing here.
Rick WilsonI agree.
Sheriff JuddBut you are.
Rick WilsonWell, thank you, sir.
Sheriff JuddThank you, my friend.
On the record for Rick
Who is backing him.
Sheriff Grady Judd
Endorsed Rick Wilson. Judd's political committee also contributed to the campaign.
Polk County GOP
Two Republicans are running for this seat, and on August 3, 2026 the Polk County Republican Executive Committee picked one of them. In its own words: “We met last night with more than a quorum present and the vote was unanimous. Not close. Not divided. Unanimous.”
Polk County Professional Firefighters
IAFF Local 3531 endorsed Wilson on August 11, 2026: “Commissioner Wilson has consistently demonstrated his support for public safety and for the men and women who work every day to provide exceptional fire and EMS services to the citizens and visitors of Polk County.” They answer close to 400 calls a day, and he has voted for the stations they answer them from.
Business Voice of Greater Lakeland
The political committee that Lakeland Chamber of Commerce members formed in 2000 to back pro-business candidates. It endorsed Wilson for another term.
Lakeland Realtors
Endorsed Wilson's re-election on August 6, 2026. The association's political committee also contributed.
Austin Gravley, Frostproof City Council
Hosted Wilson in Frostproof on August 7, 2026 and endorsed him the same day: “I'm proud to endorse Rick Wilson for Polk County Commission.” Gravley pointed to the working relationship between the county board, the City of Frostproof and the employers in it.
People who deal with the county board
None of these are strangers.
Sheriff Grady Judd runs law enforcement in Polk County and answers to a budget the County Commission sets. He is not a bystander to this board. He is one of the people who has to work with it.
Austin Gravley sits on the Frostproof City Council. Cities and the county board deal with each other constantly, on roads, utilities, permitting and emergency response. The reason he gave for endorsing was exactly that working relationship, between the county board, his city and the employers in it.
And the four people who sit at the same dais as Wilson every week have made him chairman twice, in 2021 and again in November 2024. Commissioners choose their own chair. Nobody has to pick the man they find difficult to work with.
Eight years is long enough for people to know.
