In Polk Election Supervisor race, well-funded Melony Bell (R) takes on incumbent Lori Edwards

As a three-term incumbent, Rep. Melony Bell, R-Fort Meade, could have felt confident of winning a fourth and final term in the Florida House.

Instead, Bell decided to challenge one of the longest-serving elected officials in Polk County. Bell is taking on Polk Supervisor of Elections Lori Edwards, who has served since 2001 and hopes to win a seventh term.

The race abounds with intriguing elements. For the first time since 1996, the Supervisor of Elections race is a partisan contest, and Bell has gained endorsements from prominent Republicans.

While Edwards has the advantages of incumbency and high name recognition, Bell is also well known, having served as a Polk County commissioner for eight years before heading to Tallahassee. Bell has also compiled a substantial edge in campaign funding.


https://www.theledger.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2024/10/19/well-funded-bell-takes-on-established-edwards-for-supervisor/75554166007/