Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett announced his endorsement of Lt. Gov. Jay Collins this week for Florida governor by praising his service as a Green Beret and Second Amendment fighter as a State Legislator.
"I am proud to endorse Lt. Governor Jay Collins as he campaigns to serve as Florida's next governor," Padgett said. "Jay has served on the frontlines as a Green Beret, he fought for critical issues like constitutional carry in the Florida Senate, and Governor DeSantis handpicked him to serve as Lt. Governor for a reason - he knows he's ready to hit the ground running and lead on day one."
Padgett was elected sheriff of Taylor County, located in the Big Bend region of North Florida, in 2016. He was reelected sheriff in 2020 and 2024, leading law enforcement patrol, criminal investigations, corrections, court security, school resource programs, and emergency communications.
In addition, his career includes time as a deputy in patrol operations and administrative leadership roles.
Padgett is also involved with the Florida Sheriffs Association, assisting in statewide law enforcement and collaboration. Padgett graduated from Taylor County High School.
Lt. Gov. Collins thanked Padgett for his endorsement.
"I am honored and humbled to be endorsed by Sheriff Wayne Padgett," Collins said. "His tenure in law enforcement exemplifies his commitment to the profession and to the men and women he leads to keep Taylor County safe. As governor, I will always stand with leaders like Sheriff Padgett to make sure law enforcement officers across the state get the necessary tools, training, and respect from leaders in Tallahassee."
Padgett's support follows an endorsement from Interim Osceola County Sheriff Christopher Blackmon and Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood 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.
