Rep. Leek Earns Four Sheriff Endorsements Amidst Senate Bid

State Representative Tom Leek (R-Ormond Beach) is running for Florida State Senate District 7 as State Senator Travis Hutson (R-FL-7) has been term-limited. Since announcing his candidacy for the State Senate, Rep. Leek has received the endorsement of all four sheriffs in Senate District 7 including the counties of Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, and Volusia.

“I am beyond grateful for the endorsement of Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly, Putman County Sheriff H.D. ‘Gator’ DeLoach, St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick, and Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood,” said Rep. Leek. “Our brave law enforcement officers and first responders put themselves on the line to protect and defend the citizens of Florida each and every day, and I will always have their backs in the Florida Legislature,” he concluded.

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly called Rep. Leek a proven “man of integrity” during his time in office.

“Those of us at the Flagler County Sheriff's Office live by the words ‘An Honor to Serve, A Duty to Protect,’” said Sheriff Staly. “After eight years in the Florida House of Representatives, Tom Leek has proven he is a man of integrity who will always do what is necessary to keep his constituents safe, including backing the blue at every opportunity. I am proud to support him in his bid for the Florida Senate.”

Moreover, Putnam County Sheriff H.D. “Gator” DeLoach said, “To ensure Putnam County remains a safe place to live, raise a family, and grow a business, we must strive to foster a pro-law enforcement community. As Sheriff, I know Tom Leek has and will continue to champion my team’s important and often life-saving work at both the local and state levels, and it is with that in mind that I offer him my enthusiastic endorsement for the Florida Senate.”

Furthermore, St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick added that Leek has been supportive of law enforcement in a multitude of capacities.

“Florida is the most law enforcement-friendly state in the nation thanks to leaders like Tom Leek,” said Sheriff Hardwick. “I commend him for spearheading initiatives in the Florida House of Representatives like House Bill 3 in 2022 and thank him for all he has done to ensure our state supports, recruits, and retains the very best men and women into this noble profession. I am proud to support his campaign for the Florida Senate.”

Finally, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said, “As Volusia County Sheriff, I believe in encouraging innovation and establishing strong community partnerships to keep our people safe. Since his first day in elected office, Tom Leek has demonstrated similar, respectable values, while prioritizing the best interests of law enforcement in all that he does, which is why I am honored to endorse him for the Florida Senate.”

State Senator Travis Hutson has endorsed Leek for his seat.