60 Florida Sheriffs Endorse Senator Rick Scott
Senator Rick Scott Outlines His Commitment to Keeping Florida Safe
Tampa, FL –Today, Senator Rick Scott announced the endorsement of 60 Sheriffs at the Florida Sherriff’s Association Conference. This bipartisan group of sheriffs represents 90% of the sheriffs from every corner of the state. Senator Scott has been proud to work alongside these sheriffs, many since he served as Governor of Florida, to respond to crises affecting the state like hurricanes, storm recovery, school safety and the fentanyl crisis.
During the event, Senator Scott also discussed what he has been doing in the Senate to help keep Florida families safe and what he will continue to fight for when he is re-elected to the U.S. Senate.
“I am working everyday to make sure Florida remains a state where everyone has the opportunity to live the American Dream and live in safe communities,” said Sen. Rick Scott. “I’ve always believed that the most important things for every family are good jobs, a good education, and safe communities. As Florida’s U.S. Senator, I remain committed to protecting that promise for every family and I thank these esteemed group of sheriffs for their endorsements today.”
“Across the nation, we continue to see the harmful impact of what the Democrats soft-on-crime policies of coddling criminal behavior does to communities in places like New York and California. While Democrats villainize our brave law enforcement officers, I will always stand alongside them and provide them with the resources they need to get the job done. Supporting Florida’s great law enforcement officers is the most important thing we can do to keep Florida safe and I will fight any attempt by the radical Democrats at all levels of government who try to diminish and attack our law enforcement officers.”
As US Senator, Rick Scott has and will continue to champion efforts to keep Florida families safe.
Supporting Law Enforcement Officers: Supporting law enforcement officers is the first step to keeping Florida’s communities safe. The brave men and women in blue put their lives at risk every day to protect Florida families and deserve support.
Senator Scott will continue to:
- Oppose any and all measures by the Democrats to defund the police.
- Aggressively fight for funding for grant programs that provide support services for police officers and their families as they serve communities.
- Support efforts to crack down on liberal prosecutors who refuse to do their jobs and prosecute violent criminals to the fullest extent of the law.
- Support tougher penalties for violent criminals and fight back against the left’s defund the police, soft on crime policies.
- Fight for mandatory strict minimum sentences for all assaults involving serious injury to law enforcement officers.
- Work to strengthen qualified immunity and legal protections for law enforcement officers to protect them from frivolous lawsuits.
- Work to make it a federal crime for any prosecutor, including the US Department of Justice, to pursue prosecution based on political ideology.
- Work to eliminate no-knock warrants in any case that does not involve violent crime.
Protecting Florida Students and Educators: Following the tragic attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland in 2018, then Governor Scott worked with Parkland families, mental health professionals, education leaders and law enforcement officers to pass legislation that would place a school resource officer at every public school.
No parent should ever worry about the safety of their child after they are dropped off at school and it’s time Washington sends a powerful message to parents by supporting measures to keep students safe. Senator Scott is proud that legislation he championed, The Luke and Alex School Safety Act, named in honor of two victims of this heinous attack, was recently signed into law which knocks down the walls of bureaucracy and creates a clearinghouse for law enforcement agencies to stop school shootings before they happen.
Senator Scott will continue to:
- Fight to pass his School Guardian Act, which rescinds Joe Biden’s billions in new IRS funding and redirects it to fund armed resource officers for every school in the country.
- Fight to pass the EAGLES Act, which would expand the U.S. Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) to include a greater focus on preventing targeted violence, including school violence.
Combatting the Fentanyl Crisis: While the Biden Administration has refused to address the border crisis they created, drugs, terrorists and criminals have been flooding across America’s borders. Senator Rick Scott has made securing the border and combatting the fentanyl crisis a top priority. A nation without borders is not a nation. And the influx of illegal immigrants and drugs has created a crisis that law enforcement officers across the country are dealing with every day.
Senator Scott will continue to:
- Fight to get his END FENTANYL Act passed in the House of Representatives so it can be sent to the President’s desk. It was recently passed with bipartisan support in the Senate. This bill would require the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to update its policies at least once every three years to ensure operational field manuals, including their drug interdiction guidance, is up to date.
- Fight to pass the OPIOIDS Act, a four-pronged, comprehensive approach to assist in combating the deadly fentanyl crisis that continues to plague American families.
- Support efforts to employ military assets on our borders as needed. Border security is not simply a matter of domestic policy, it’s also a matter of national security and will help curb the influx of drugs coming into our country.
- Support efforts to strip all federal funding from “sanctuary cities” and prosecute any elected officials who flout our immigration laws.
Sheriff’s Endorsing Senator Rick Scott
Tampa – St. Petersburg Region
Sheriff’s Association President, Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis (Republican)
“I am endorsing Senator Rick Scott because he’s always been a champion for Florida’s law enforcement community. He’s fighting for us on the federal level to ensure we are able to keep Floridians safe. I look forward to having him in the Senate for 6 more years.”
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister (Republican)
“I am thankful for Senator Rick Scott’s leadership and friendship. He has always made it a point to reach out, connect and support our operations and the citizens we serve in Hillsborough County. In a time of so much uncertainty for law enforcement, Senator Scott has not wavered or shied away. Instead, he continues to be present and consistent in his partnership. Together we have worked hard to make Florida a safe state for Florida families.”
Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco (Republican)
“I am proud to support my friend Senator Rick Scott for re-election. Senator Scott is always engaging with Florida’s law enforcement to make sure that we are well equipped and ready to protect and serve our communities, while reducing victimization. Senator Scott also understands the best crime prevention methods involve economic growth and a strong economy.”
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri (Republican)
“Senator Rick Scott is a champion for safety and law enforcement. After working closely together following the tragic shooting in Parkland, I have seen first-hand how then Governor and now Senator is focused on finding real solutions to make sure our students and families are safe. His recent School Guardian Act is just another example of his leadership and I am proud to support my friend Senator Rick Scott for re-election in 2024.”
Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman (Republican)
“Senator Rick Scott has my full support for re-election in 2024. Senator Scott has been a strong supporter of our law enforcement and has made sure we have all of the resources that we need to be out in our communities and serving residents.”
Additional Sheriff’s from the region that have endorsed:
- Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast (Republican)
- Hardee County Sheriff Vent Crawford (Republican)
- Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman (Republican)
- Manatee County Sheriff Charles Wells (Republican)
- Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd (NPA)
Gainesville Region
Levy County Sheriff Robert McCallum (Republican)
“I’m excited to announce that I’m endorsing Senator Rick Scott. Throughout his career, Senator Scott has always been an advocate for law enforcement. First on the state level as Governor and now on the federal level in the Senate. He knows what it takes to keep Florida safe.”
Alachua County Sheriff Emery Gainey (Republican)
“I’m proud to endorse Senator Rick Scott for another term as Florida’s Senator. I’ve known Senator Scott for 13 years, and I know that he will always support Florida law enforcement. I look forward to working with him to keep Alachua County safe.”
Additional Sheriff’s from the region that have endorsed:
- Dixie County Sheriff Darby Butler (Republican)
- Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz (Republican)
Fort Myers – Naples Region
Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell, Jr. (Republican)
“Senator Rick Scott has been a great supporter of our law enforcement community and making sure that we have the resources that we need to do our jobs and protect Floridians. He did it as Governor and has continued to do so as Senator in Washington. I am proud to support him for re-election.”
Glades County Sheriff David Hardin (Republican)
“I am pleased to announce my endorsement for Senator Rick Scott. Senator Scott fights for law enforcement every day. He will always back the blue and work to make sure we have what we need to keep Florida communities safe.”
Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden (Republican)
“Senator Rick Scott stands behind law enforcement and we will always stand behind him. I am pleased to announce my endorsement of Senator Scott. He fights every day to make Florida safer and ensure our law enforcement officers have what they need to keep Floridians safe.”
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno (Republican)
“When you call Senator Rick Scott answers. Before you know to call, Senator Scott knows to reach out. That is the kind of leader Senator Scott has been since his time as Governor. When our communities were facing devastation and distress he never hesitated. He was on the ground with us from day one and made it clear that he would do whatever it took to help. I am proud to support Senator Scott for re-election because Floridians need his continue leadership and unwavering support.”
Additional Sheriff’s from the region that have endorsed:
- Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk (Republican)
- DeSoto County Sheriff James Potter (Republican)
West Palm Beach Region
Martin County Sheriff William Snyder (Republican)
“In my capacity as a Sheriff in Florida I have always found Senator Scott to be concerned with law-enforcement and public safety matters. He is a friend to our industry and on numerous occasions when facing hurricanes or other problems, I receive personal phone calls from Senator Scott making sure we have all the resources we need. I cannot think of anyone I would rather support then Rick Scott for Senator.”
Additional Sheriff’s from the region that have endorsed:
- Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers (Republican)
- Okeechobee County Sheriff Noel Stephen (Republican)
Miami Region
Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay (Republican)
“Senator Rick Scott has been a strong partner for law enforcement from his time as Governor and now in Washington. He knows the importance of the work that we do to protect our communities and has been an ally. Senator Scott has also been a helping hand when our communities have faced tough times with hurricanes and crisis’. We know we can rely on Senator Scott and I look forward to continuing to work with him for another six years.”
Orlando Region
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey (Republican)
“Senator Rick Scott is a long-time friend and partner in Florida. I am extremely grateful for his leadership and active involvement in law enforcement to make sure we are equipped and ready to serve our communities! Senator Scott is always engaged and personally invested in our communities and as Governor was always there regardless if it was a natural disaster or to simply check in. Senator Scott is the partner we need in Washington and I’m proud to support him for re-election in November. I look forward to continuing to work with him for another six years.”
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly (Republican)
“I am proud to support Senator Rick Scott for re-election. Senator Scott has been a great leader and ally for the law enforcement community and that makes a huge impact on how we can work every day to protect Florida’s communities.”
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods (Republican)
“I’m excited to announce my endorsement of Senator Rick Scott. He has a long record of supporting the brave men and women who keep our communities safe. Senator Scott is the only candidate in this race who will fight for Florida law enforcement in Washington.”
Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma (Republican)
“Senator Rick Scott has been a great supporter of our policing profession and a friend to our men and women who put their lives at risk every day to protect Florida families and communities. He continues to join us in the fight against fentanyl poisonings that are having devastating effects on Floridians. I look forward to continuing to work with him and have him representing us in Washington.”
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood (NPA)
“I am honored to support Senator Rick Scott for re-election. Senator Scott has kept the safety of Florida’s communities as a top priority for him in both the Senate and his time as Governor. His leadership has made it possible for law enforcement to be able to do their jobs and feel safe.”
Additional Sheriff’s from the region that have endorsed:
- Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell (Republican)
- Sumter County Sheriff Bill Farmer, Jr. (Republican)
Jacksonville Region
Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith (Republican)
“I am proud to endorse Senator Rick Scott’s re-election to the U.S. Senate. Senator Scott is a champion for Florida law enforcement and will always fight for us in Washington. I look forward to having him represent Florida for 6 more years.”
Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook (Republican)
“I am pleased to announce my endorsement of Senator Rick Scott. Senator Scott stands behind law enforcement and has always fought to make Florida communities safer. His work ethic and leadership is what Florida needs in Washington.”
Columbia County Sheriff Mark Hunter (NPA)
“I am endorsing Senator Rick Scott because he stands with Florida’s law enforcement. Floridians need a Senator who will fight for law enforcement in Washington. I look forward to sending Senator Scott back to Washington for 6 more years.”
Duval County Sheriff T.K. Waters (Republican)
“Senator Rick Scott cares about Florida’s communities. That has been very evident in Duval, and I know he is someone we can count on. I am proud to have a partner like Senator Scott that is fighting for our law enforcement and our safety. Senator Scott has been a loud voice backing the blue in the Senate and I know that is exactly what he will continue to do.”
Union County Sheriff Brad Whitehead (Republican)
“I’m excited to announce my endorsement of Senator Rick Scott. Senator Scott has always been an advocate for public safety. First as governor, and now in the U.S. Senate. I have no doubt that Senator Scott will continue to stand with Florida law enforcement.”
Additional Sheriff’s from the region that have endorsed:
- Baker County Sheriff Scott Rhoden (Republican)
- Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper (Republican)
- Putnam County Sheriff Homer DeLoach III (Republican)
- Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick (Republican)
Tallahassee Region
Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young (Democrat)
“It is my pleasure to endorse Senator Rick Scott’s re-election campaign. Senator Scott has always backed the blue and always will. He’s focused on keeping Florida communities like Gadsden safe. Senator Scott’s conservative leadership is what Florida needs in Washington.”
Jefferson County Sheriff Alfred McNeill Jr. (Republican)
“After many years of working alongside Senator Scott and his family during his time as Governor, I know he is a man that truly cares about every single Floridian. I have learned a great deal from Senator Scott about what it means to be a leader in my own position, and I am proud to exemplify that in Jefferson County. Florida needs and deserves Senator Scott to continue being a champion and a voice for our families in Washington.”
Madison County Sheriff David Harper (Republican)
“I’m proud to endorse Senator Rick Scott. He has always been a strong supporter of Florida’s law enforcement. Senator Scott works hard to make sure our brave deputies have everything they need to keep Florida families safe.”
Wakulla County Sheriff Jared Miller (Republican):
“I am proud to support Senator Rick Scott for re-election. Senator Scott is the leader Florida families and our law enforcement community can count on. As Governor and now as Senator he has made the safety of all Floridians a top priority and I look forward to continuing to have a partner like Senator Rick Scott in the Senate.”
Additional Sheriff’s from the region that have endorsed:
- Hamilton County Sheriff J. Harrell Reid (Republican)
- Lafayette County Sheriff Brian Lamb (Republican)
- Suwannee County Sheriff Sam St. John (Republican)
- Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett (Republican)
Panama City Region
Calhoun County Sheriff Glenn Kimbrel (Democrat)
“I am excited to endorse Senator Rick Scott. He’s a fighter who will always back the blue. Floridians are safer because of his leadership first as Governor, and now as Senator.”
Gulf County Sheriff Mike Harrison (Republican)
“I am announcing my endorsement for Senator Rick Scott because he’s a fighter who will always stand for Florida’s law enforcement. He works hard to ensure that Florida is a safe place to live and that our brave law enforcement officers have what they need to do the job.”
Liberty County Sheriff Buddy Money (Republican)
“When Senator Scott was Governor of Florida, Law Enforcement was a priority for his administration and work with the Sheriff’s to assist them in their needs. As he is now a Senator representing Florida, he has carried that mind set of backing law enforcement in their needs. Senator Scott has always stood with Law Enforcement and as Sheriff of Liberty County, I do support him in his re-election.”
Additional Sheriff’s from the region that have endorsed:
- Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford (Republican)
- Franklin County Sheriff A.J. Smith (Republican)
- Holmes County Sheriff John Tate (Republican)
- Jackson County Sheriff Donald Edenfield (Republican)
- Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson, Jr. (Republican)
- Washington County Sheriff Kevin Crews (Republican)
Pensacola Region
Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons (Republican)
“I am proud to support Senator Rick Scott for re-election. As a leader that has devoted many years to making sure our communities are safer, I know he is someone we can rely on. Senator Scott is always communicating and checking in to know exactly what our department needs and what he can do to help. That’s leadership.”
Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden (Republican)
“I’m happy to endorse Senator Rick Scott. He’s been a strong leader in the Sunshine State for over a decade and has always backed the blue. Senator Scott works hard to make sure our brave law enforcement officers have the federal support they need to keep Okaloosa safe. He is always there in the event of a tragedy or natural disaster; no matter the time of day or night. He is proactive and keeps an open line of communication. Florida matters to Senator Scott!”
Additional Sheriff from the region that has endorsed:
- Santa Rosa County Sheriff Robert Johnson (Republican)
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