Congressman and Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds (R-FL) announced he has picked up the endorsement of 15 Florida sheriffs in his run for governor. The support includes law enforcement officials in the South Florida community, as well as others across the state.
They include:
- Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz
- Duval County Sheriff T.K. Waters
- Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk
- Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay
- Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno
- St. Lucie County Sheriff Richard Del Toro
- Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister
- Jackson County Sheriff Donnie Edenfield
- Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith
- Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey
- Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco
- Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden
- Wakulla County Sheriff Jared Miller
- Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers
- Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek
"I am incredibly honored to have earned the endorsement of sheriffs from across our great Sunshine State," Donalds said. "As Governor, I will be 100% committed to law and order and keeping Florida the safest state in the nation."
Looking to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis, Rep. Donalds' support likely solidifies him as the "law and order" candidate in the field. Gov. DeSantis has made public safety, including illegal immigration enforcement, a top priority in the back nine of his governorship.
"I will stand in lockstep with our sheriffs and law enforcement as we work to protect Florida from criminal illegal aliens, keep drugs off our streets, and implement strong public safety laws to protect our families," Donalds added.
The endorsements for Donalds follow a slew of support from top congressional Republicans in Florida earlier this year. He has also earned backing from House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.).
Florida Sen. Rick Scott also endorsed Donalds last month. However, the biggest Republican prize of them all came from President Donald Trump, who endorsed Donalds back in February.
President Trump won Florida by 13 points in the 2024 presidential election, giving Donalds an early touchdown in the race before things even really got going.
The gubernatorial election is set for Nov. 3, 2026.
