A group of 17 county sheriffs from across Florida officially endorsed Republican gubernatorial nominee Byron Donalds on Thursday, strengthening his support among law enforcement ahead of the November general election.
The announcement comes as Donalds and his running mate, Bryan Avila, tour the state to meet with local police leaders on public safety policies and community policing initiatives.
The sheriffs backing Donalds represent a broad geographic footprint across the state. The roster includes Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett, St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick, Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson, Putnam County Sheriff Gator DeLoach, Osceola County Sheriff Chris Blackmon, and Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper.
Also joining the coalition are Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells, Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum, Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis, Hardee County Sheriff Vent Crawford, Gulf County Sheriff Mike Harrison, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly, Citrus County Sheriff David Vincent, Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell, and Dixie County Sheriff Darby Butler.
Donalds welcomed the group’s backing, pointing to public safety as a core pillar of his platform.
“Florida is the law-and-order state, and as Governor, I will make sure it stays that way,” Donalds said in a statement. “Our sheriffs and law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every single day to protect our families and our communities. I am honored to have the support of these outstanding sheriffs from across Florida. Bryan Avila and I will always stand with the men and women who wear the badge, give law enforcement the support they need to do their jobs, and make sure Florida remains the safest and freest state in America.”
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, who serves as president of the Florida Sheriffs Association, pointed to Donalds’ focus on local law enforcement needs as the key factor behind the endorsements.
“Byron Donalds understands that keeping Floridians safe is one of the most important responsibilities of our next governor,” Woods said. “He respects the men and women of law enforcement and understands what our sheriffs need to protect the communities we serve. Byron will stand with law enforcement, hold criminals accountable, and continue Florida’s commitment to law and order. I am proud to endorse him to be Florida’s next governor.”
The Donalds-Avila campaign plans to continue holding law enforcement roundtables across the state as campaigning ramps up toward Election Day.
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