Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd officially joined Congressman Byron Donalds on the campaign trail Friday, throwing his weight behind the Republican frontrunner as new polling shows Donalds leading top potential Democratic rivals.
Speaking to a crowd alongside Donalds, Judd—one of the state’s most prominent law enforcement figures—emphasized the importance of maintaining Florida’s current momentum regarding public safety.
“I love Governor DeSantis. He’s done a remarkable job,” Judd told the audience. “We’ve got to have someone with that same passion and energy that makes sure that what we all universally understand: if you’re not safe and you don’t feel safe, you don’t thrive. In Florida, we’re safe, and we feel safe, and we’re thriving.”
Judd noted that after meeting with the Florida Sheriffs Association, the majority of elected sheriffs across the state chose to back Donalds.
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“I’m excited to tell you that this is the man that’s going to make sure that we’re safe,” Judd said. “That we go to the next level and the next level in safety and security.”
The high-profile appearance comes as a fresh survey from Echelon Insights shows Donalds holding a clear edge in general election matchups. According to the data, Donalds leads David Jolly by six points (49% to 43%) and holds a four-point lead over Jerry Demings (48% to 44%).
These figures reinforce Donalds’ position following separate primary polling that showed him leading the Republican field by a significant margin. His campaign continues to draw strength from a coalition of national and local figures, headlined by an endorsement from President Donald J. Trump.
“Byron Donalds is the only candidate in this race who can defeat any Democrat, unite Republicans, and defend the Florida Dream for our families, seniors, and young people,” said Ryan Smith, Chief Strategist for the Donalds campaign. Smith noted that the campaign is focused on a “positive vision” centered on making the state more affordable and secure.
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In addition to the support from Judd and the majority of Florida sheriffs, Donalds has recently secured endorsements from Elon Musk, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and 75% of the Republican caucus in the Florida House.
With Judd’s endorsement highlighting a focus on low crime rates—which the Sheriff noted are at a 54-year low in unincorporated Polk County—the Donalds campaign looks to maintain its lead by making public safety a cornerstone of the race to succeed Governor Ron DeSantis.
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