Interim Osceola County Sheriff Christopher Blackmon announced his endorsement of Lt. Gov. Jay Collins for Florida governor by praising his leadership as a public servant in a statement this week.
“I have had the privilege of working alongside many dedicated public servants across our state,” Blackmon said in a video statement. "Leadership matters—especially in times that require courage, integrity, and a deep commitment to the people we serve. That is why I am proud to offer my full support and endorsement to Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins as he runs to become the next Governor of Florida.”
"Jay understands the meaning of duty, sacrifice, and accountability. These are the same values we depend on every day in law enforcement, and they're exactly what Florida needs in its next governor," Blackmon continued. "I encourage Floridians across our great state to join me in supporting Jay's campaign. When Florida leads, America wins."
Blackmon was appointed interim sheriff by Gov. Ron DeSantis to replace Marcos Lopez in June 2025. His career includes over 35 years of law enforcement experience, including with the Florida Highway Patrol as a Statewide Immigration Incident Commander and a deputized U.S. Marshal.
Osceola County is located in Central Florida and includes a large Hispanic population.
Lt. Gov. Collins thanked Blackmon for his endorsement.
“I am humbled to have the support of Osceola County Sheriff Christopher Blackmon,” Collins said. “I don’t take this endorsement lightly. Florida must continue to be a strong law and order state. Anything less than that is unacceptable. Under my leadership, we’ll continue deporting illegal aliens, fighting against drug trafficking, and we will always back the blue.”
Blackmon's endorsement follows Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood's for Collins earlier this month.
Collins is in a Republican primary with U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, and businessman James Fishback. The GOP primary is Aug 18.
