Neil Combee joins herd of notable Florida politicians endorsing Hilary Holley for HD 51

Polk County conservative champion Neil Combee is joining a host of notable Florida politicians endorsing Hilary Holley for Florida House District 51.

Holley formally entered the HD 51 race earlier this month and has already secured numerous endorsements to replace outgoing Rep. Josie Tomkow. They include endorsements from Tomkow herself, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and fellow Polk County Republicans Rep. Jon Albert and Rep. Jennifer Kincart Jonsson.

Combee, a former Florida Representative and Polk County Commissioner, said Holley is a “passionate advocate” for the farming and ranching community who represents “Florida First” values.

“I’ve had the pleasure of representing Polk County for many years, and I know how important it is we have leaders in Tallahassee like Hilary Holley, who will stand up for common sense and conservatism in the Florida House,” Combee said in a statement. “Hilary is a passionate advocate for our farmers and ranchers and will bring her Florida First values to our State’s Capitol to build on Florida’s success and continue to make our state a beacon for freedom and prosperity.”

HD 51 includes portions of northern Polk County, encompassing communities such as Polk City, Auburndale and Lake Alfred. Term limits bar Tomkow from running again, but she could be a contender for Senate District 14 to replace former Sen. Jay Collins, who is now serving as Lieutenant Governor.

Holley joined the Florida Future Farmers of America Foundation in March 2021 and currently serves as the organization’s Executive Director. She leads the foundation’s strategic initiatives, fundraising efforts, and outreach programs and works to ensure continued support for more than 65,000 active Florida FFA members.

Holley earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and communication from the University of Florida, with a specialization in communication and leadership development. She built her career in public service and agricultural education, including stints as a Legislative Aide for State Sen. Denise Grimsley, Agriculture Education Coordinator for former Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam, and West Central Florida Regional Director for External Affairs for former Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis.

Originally from Punta Gorda, Holley is a fifth-generation Floridian who resides in Polk City with her husband, Dusty Holley, and their two children. The family enjoys caring for their cattle, cheering on the Florida Gators, spending time with loved ones, and supporting their children’s youth baseball teams and livestock projects. They attend Green Pond Baptist Church.

Holley thanked Combee for his endorsement in a statement and praised his commitment to Florida First values.

“Neil has long been a champion for our conservative causes and a voice for common sense in Tallahassee,” Holley said. “Neil has always been willing to stand up for what is right and to fight for the Florida First values we all hold dear. I’m thankful for his support and confidence in our campaign.”

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Florida Politics reporter Ryan Nicol contributed to this report.