Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood has officially thrown his support behind Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins in the race for Florida governor. The endorsement, announced Thursday in DeLand, marks a significant alignment between one of the state’s most prominent law enforcement figures and the decorated Green Beret’s gubernatorial campaign.
Chitwood, who has led the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office since 2017 following a tenure as Daytona Beach Police Chief, cited Collins’ background and preparedness as the primary drivers for his decision. He noted that the Lieutenant Governor’s history of military and public service makes him the only candidate he trusts to manage the complexities of leading the nation’s third-largest state.
“Jay Collins’ character is second to none,” Sheriff Chitwood stated. “His career of service says a lot about who he is as a man. His commitment to service above self and leaving our state a better place is not only admirable—it is exactly what we need in our next governor.” Chitwood further emphasized that Collins is “Day One Ready” for the role.
Responding to the endorsement, Collins reiterated his platform of firm support for law enforcement agencies across the state. He praised the work of the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and pledged that his administration would prioritize the needs of deputies and first responders.
“It’s an honor to be endorsed by Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood,” Collins said. “I always have and always will support our deputies who put their lives on the line each and every day in service of their fellow Floridians. The men and women behind the badge deserve nothing less than our full support. That is exactly what they will get when I am governor.”
The endorsement adds a veteran law enforcement perspective to Collins’ campaign.
Chitwood brings nearly forty years of experience to the table, including his credentials as a graduate of the 204th session of the FBI National Academy and his current role as an adjunct professor at the University of Central Florida.
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