Lakeland resident is third Republican candidate for Polk County Commission in District 1

Henry Coker of Lakeland has filed to run for the Polk County Commission as a Republican in 2024.

Coker is the third candidate in District 1, joining fellow Republicans Jennifer Price and Becky Troutman. The seat is now held by George Lindsey, who is barred from seeking re-election by term limits.

Coker, 38, is a South Lakeland resident and a third-generation Polk Countian. He graduated from Bartow High School and holds a bachelor's degree in criminology from the University of South Florida.

He is a married father of two young sons, with another child due soon.

Coker described himself as a small-business owner. He previously operated a car dealership and now works in property management.

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“I’ve always been interested, and I have the time now to devote to it,” Coker said of his decision to run.

Coker said he has a particular interest in Polk County’s rapid development.

"The proper planning and infrastructure with this explosive growth that we're experiencing is a real concern for me,” he said. “You have to see it guided through properly.”

Coker said he is “inundating” himself with research on other issues.

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“My view is if you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room,” he said.

Troutman has reported more than $27,000 in campaign contributions. Neither Price nor Coker has yet reported any receipts.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Lakeland Republican joins District 1 race for Polk County Commission