The race for Florida’s Governor saw a significant development today as Osceola County Sheriff Christopher Blackmon officially endorsed Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins. The endorsement brings together a decorated Green Beret and a law enforcement veteran with over three and a half decades of experience in the state.
Sheriff Blackmon, who previously served as a Regional Chief for the Florida Highway Patrol and currently holds a position as a deputized U.S. Marshal, cited leadership as the primary driver for his decision.
“I have had the privilege of working alongside many dedicated public servants across our state,” Blackmon stated. “Leadership matters—especially in times that require courage, integrity, and a deep commitment to the people we serve. That is why I am proud to offer my full support and endorsement to Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins as he runs to become the next Governor of Florida.”
Blackmon’s career spans 35 years, including a stint as the Statewide Immigration Incident Commander for the Florida Highway Patrol, where he managed nearly 1,000 personnel.
RELATED: Law Enforcement Powerhouse Mike Chitwood Backs Jay Collins For Florida Governor
His professional background is mirrored in his personal life; his wife, Julia, is also a veteran of the force, having served 30 years with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
In response to the announcement, Collins emphasized a platform focused on strict law enforcement and border security.
“I am humbled to have the support of Osceola County Sheriff Christopher Blackmon,” Collins said. “I don’t take this endorsement lightly. Florida must continue to be a strong law-and-order state. Anything less than that is unacceptable. Under my leadership, we’ll continue deporting illegal aliens, fighting against drug trafficking, and we will always back the blue.”
The endorsement marks a key moment for the Collins campaign as it seeks to solidify support among Florida’s law enforcement community heading into the election cycle.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
