Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister and Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco have officially endorsed incumbent Republican Congressman Gus Bilirakis in his re-election bid for Florida’s 12th Congressional District.
Both law enforcement leaders cited Bilirakis’s legislative track record on public safety, first-responder support, and veteran advocacy as key factors in their backing.
In his statement of support, Sheriff Chronister highlighted Bilirakis’s focus on the opioid epidemic and regional collaboration.
“Every day, law enforcement officers witness the devastating toll the fentanyl crisis is taking on our families and communities. We need leaders who understand the urgency of this fight and are committed to giving law enforcement the tools and support necessary to save lives and keep dangerous drugs off our streets. That’s why I’m proud to support Congressman Gus Bilirakis for reelection to the United States Congress,” Chronister said. “Throughout his time in Congress, Gus has been a steadfast advocate for law enforcement, first responders, and the families we serve. Gus has built a reputation for listening, working across the aisle when it benefits our communities, and always putting the people of Florida first. He has consistently stood with those who wear the badge, fought for our veterans, and delivered meaningful results for the families of the Tampa Bay region.”
Sheriff Nocco emphasized his personal and professional relationship with the congressman over the last two decades.
“Like many of you, I have known Congressman Gus Bilirakis for over 20 years. He continues to prove every day that he is a convicted leader who truly serves the citizens of Tampa Bay,” Nocco said. “Besides supporting our veterans, Gus stands with law enforcement and provides us with the resources to keep our community safe. We all know the phrase, ‘Gus is for us.’ There is no better way to describe how much Gus Bilirakis cares for our community.”
Bilirakis welcomed the endorsements from the two Tampa Bay area sheriffs, reiterating that public safety remains central to his legislative agenda.
“I am honored to have the support of Sheriffs Chad Chronister and Chris Nocco, two dedicated law enforcement leaders who fight every day to keep Tampa Bay families safe,” Bilirakis stated. “Our law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities, and I will always stand with them. Whether it is combating the deadly fentanyl crisis, giving first responders the resources they need, or supporting the men and women who wear the badge, public safety will continue to be one of my highest priorities.”
Florida’s 12th Congressional District covers the majority of Pasco County along with parts of Hillsborough County. Bilirakis is a senior member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, where he chairs the Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee and sits on both the Health and Communications and Technology Subcommittees. He also serves as Special Advisor to the Speaker on Veterans Issues.
According to rankings from the Center for Effective Lawmaking at Vanderbilt University, Bilirakis was ranked the 31st most effective lawmaker in Congress, having authored 78 provisions that were signed into law. His stated platform priorities include job creation, tax reduction, healthcare affordability, prescription drug cost controls, homeland security, veteran benefits protection, and the preservation of Social Security and Medicare.
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