Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson announced his endorsement of Lt. Gov. Jay Collins for Florida governor in a social media post alongside the lieutenant governor this week.
"I think you'll be a great governor for the state of Florida, and we appreciate your support of law enforcement," Johnson declares in the video.
Santa Rosa County is located in the northwest portion of the state on the Panhandle.
Lt. Gov. Collins thanked Johnson for his endorsement.
"I’m honored to have the support of Bob Johnson. Sheriff Johnson’s commitment to protecting his community and standing strong for law and order reflects the kind of leadership Florida needs, and I’m grateful for his endorsement as we continue this fight together," Lt. Governor Collins said.
Johnson's support follows endorsements from Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett, Interim Osceola County Sheriff Christopher Blackmon, and Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood earlier this month.
Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL), who is also running in the governor's race, has received support from the majority of Florida sheriffs in the state, including Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, Duval County Sheriff T.K. Waters, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, and Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz.
In all, Rep. Donalds has the backing of 35 county sheriffs, but Collins' backing from law enforcement as of late might suggest he's building momentum in the race as he looks to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis in Tallahassee.
Collins is in a Republican primary with Rep. Byron Donalds, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, and businessman James Fishback.
The GOP primary is Aug 18.
