The record
Eight years. All of it on the record.
Nothing here is a promise. County board actions, election results and Wilson's own published words, which is the only kind of record worth running on.
Polk sent him. Twice.
In 2018 Polk County picked Rick Wilson by nearly two to one. The seat came open early when the sitting commissioner resigned, and Gov. Rick Scott put him in it that October. In 2022, voters sent him back.
He voted the sales tax down
In November 2023 the board was asked to put a half-cent sales tax increase on the ballot. It would have raised roughly $2.1 billion for road projects over twenty years. Wilson voted no, alongside Commissioners Combee, Braswell and Santiago. The motion failed 4–1.
Firefighters and paramedics, paid for
Wilson voted for the construction agreements behind the Bradley Fire Rescue Station, a capital project of just over $6 million. He backed a $1.42 million land purchase for a new Polk County Fire Rescue EMS and fire station in south Lakeland. The Masterpiece Road station in Bartow opened in June 2025.
Nearly 400 calls a day
That is the load on Polk County Fire Rescue right now, run out of seven standalone EMS stations. Wilson's first priority for another term is hiring more firefighters and EMS personnel, and funding the stations to put them in.
He votes no on the ones that don't fit
In July 2022 a developer came to the board wanting 242 houses on 120 acres in rural Kathleen, off Deeson Road. Wilson voted to deny it, 4–1. His words at the hearing: “At the end of the day, I don't believe it's compatible and I will not be for it one bit.”
He gave Polk the chance to vote for conservation
In 2022 the board split 3–2 on whether to put an environmental lands property tax on the November ballot at all. Wilson was one of the three who voted to let the county decide. Polk County passed it with about 60 percent. The money buys land to keep it out of development, and the eleven-member committee that recommends which land has exactly one commissioner on it. Wilson holds that seat, and the county lists him as its chairman.
He has read the budget
“We currently operate with very little fat in our budget, so we would definitely have to roll our sleeves up and make hard decisions based on our priorities.”
His own board keeps making him chairman
Wilson chaired the Polk County Commission in 2021, and his colleagues selected him chairman again on November 20, 2024. Commissioners pick their own chair. Four other elected officials, who watch him work every week, keep handing him the gavel.
He led the room in prayer
In May 2021, chairing the Polk County Commission, Wilson followed an invocation delivered by the head of a local atheist organization by asking everyone to stand, bow their heads, and pray with him. State and national secularist groups wrote the county to complain. Polk County knows where Rick Wilson stands.
Next term
What he says he would work on.
Safety first
“My priority is now and has always been safety. I am a strong supporter of law enforcement, fire and emergency services. Our emergency responders know they can trust me to have their backs.”
Good jobs, and what makes them
“Each and every individual and family depends on jobs and job opportunities in order to thrive. A good quality of life for most families depends on knowing they can make a good living. I believe a positive business climate produces the kind of jobs we need.”
Responsible growth
“I believe in responsible growth. Growth that is manageable and makes a positive impact on our county. Responsible growth means supporting infrastructure needs and funding for them.”
Endorsements
Sheriff Grady Judd is with Rick Wilson.
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.
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.
