Ryan Nicol
Ned Hancock, a fifth-generation citrus grower in Sebring, has entered the race to replace term-limited state Rep. Cary Pigman in House District 55.
Hancock is the second Republican to join the contest. He’s served as a commissioner for the Florida Department of Citrus and has also worked on the Highlands County School Board.
“I’m a lifelong conservative running for the Florida House because we need more people with a farmer’s work ethic and Heartland values in Tallahassee,” Hancock said in a release announcing his candidacy.
“I’ll fight for education reforms that lead students to meaningful careers, push for greater economic development in communities like ours, and keep a watchful eye on the bottom line.”
HD 55 covers Highlands, Okeechobee and Glades Counties, along with part of St. Lucie County.
Hancock is also the president and owner of Hancock Citrus, headquartered in Avon Park.
Pigman, a Republican, cruised to reelection in 2018, defeating his Democratic opponent by more than 30 points. That’s good news for whomever secures the Republican nomination in 2020.
Hancock joins Sebring land-use attorney Kaylee Tuck on the Republican side. Tuck joined the contest in early June and has already been endorsed by former U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney.
Her father, Andy Tuck, serves on the state Board of Education.
Lake Placid Democrat Tony Munnings, Sr. was the first candidate who filed to replace Pigman. He entered the race on May 1.
