Hurlbert has worked in politics since graduating from college, serving as Senior Field Representative for U.S. Congressman Sam Graves since 2009. During that time, he has been recognized several times, having been named the 2012 Clay County Republican Man of the Year, and has served as the president of the Smithville Rotary Club, which honored him with the Paul Harris Fellowship in 2019. He served as an Alderman for the city of Smithville from 2018 - 20.

Hurlbert was homeschooled for his primary education and received his Bachelors in History and Geography from Park University in May 2008.

Born in Smithville, Missouri, in 1986, Hurlbert currently resides in Smithville with his wife, Ashley Hurlbert. They attend The Table- A Christian Fellowship, where Hurlbert serves as an elder, and have three children, Rose, J.J., and Rebekah Hurlbert.