Chris Boles

Chris Boles is a retired emergency response professional and Republican politician currently serving as the Hillsborough County Commissioner for countywide District 6. He was elected to the seat in November 2024 after defeating Democrat Sean Shaw, a victory that flipped the seat to Republican control and established a 5-2 conservative majority on the board. Because he won a full four-year term, his current tenure runs through November 2028, meaning he is not on the ballot for the upcoming 2026 election cycle. Prior to entering politics, Boles dedicated 28 years to public safety as a firefighter, eventually rising to the rank of Battalion Chief with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. A native Floridian who holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University, Boles built an extensive background in civic, labor, and financial leadership. He spent 26 years serving as a Principal Officer and Treasurer for the Hillsborough County Fire Fighters IAFF Local 2294 union, works as the Executive Director of Hillsborough County Firefighter Charities, and serves as the long-standing Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Florida West Coast Credit Union. Since joining the commission, his policy priorities have centered on fiscal responsibility, eliminating wasteful county spending, managing sustainable suburban development, and expanding vital infrastructure such as roads and fire stations across the county.

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners is the primary legislative and governing body of Hillsborough County, a unit of local government in Florida. Commissioners are responsible for adopting the county budget, enacting ordinances and resolutions, overseeing county departments and services, and setting policy for one of Florida's most populous counties.