Davenport Woman Enters Polk County Commission Race

Elisha Gresham challenges incumbent Martha Santiago in District 4 non-partisan bid.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:23am

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A second candidate has filed to run for the Polk County Commission, seeking the seat now held by Martha Santiago. Elisha Gresham of Davenport has entered the race in District 4 as a non-party candidate, joining Haines City Commissioner Omar Arroyo, who is running as a Republican.

Why it matters

The Polk County Commission race in District 4 has drawn interest from challengers seeking to unseat the incumbent, Martha Santiago. Gresham's non-partisan campaign could appeal to voters looking for an independent voice, while Arroyo's Republican affiliation aligns with the county's conservative leanings.

The details

Elisha Gresham, a resident of Davenport, has filed to run for the Polk County Commission seat in District 4. She is running as a non-party affiliated candidate, challenging the incumbent Martha Santiago. Gresham will face off against Haines City Commissioner Omar Arroyo, who is running as a Republican.

  • Elisha Gresham filed to run for the Polk County Commission seat on March 30, 2026.

The players

Elisha Gresham

A Davenport resident who has entered the race for the Polk County Commission District 4 seat as a non-party affiliated candidate.

Martha Santiago

The incumbent Polk County Commissioner for District 4, who is being challenged by Gresham and Arroyo.

Omar Arroyo

The Haines City Commissioner who is running for the Polk County Commission District 4 seat as a Republican candidate.

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What they’re saying

“That would be not listening to the people, that's the number one,”

— Elisha Gresham

What’s next

The Polk County Commission race in District 4 will be decided in the November 2026 general election.

The takeaway

The Polk County Commission race in District 4 has drawn interest from challengers seeking to unseat the incumbent, Martha Santiago. Gresham's non-partisan campaign and Arroyo's Republican affiliation could appeal to different segments of the electorate, making this a closely watched race.