Sumter County Sheriff Patrick “Pat” Breeden announced his endorsement of Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) for Florida governor by praising him as the "law-and-order" candidate in a statement this week.
"Byron Donalds understands being a law-and-order state means giving our officers the resources, training, and backing they need to do their jobs safely and effectively," Breeden said. "It means enforcing our laws, holding criminals accountable, and making it clear that there are consequences for those who threaten our communities."
"I’m proud to support Byron because he will lead with accountability, stand firmly behind the men and women who put on the badge every day, and ensure Florida remains a place where families feel safe, businesses can thrive, and our communities continue to grow strong.”
Breeden's endorsement follows support from a majority of Florida sheriffs for Rep. Donalds in his bid for governor. They include Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco, Duval County Sheriff T.K. Waters, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, and Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz.
Breeden began working with the Sumter County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) in 1990. His career includes work as a Corrections Deputy, Patrol Deputy, K-9 Handler, Criminal Investigations Detective, Special Operations Lieutenant, S.W.A.T Commander, and more.
He was elected sheriff of SCSO in 2024. Sumter County is located in Central Florida, about an hour from Tampa and Orlando.
Rep. Donalds is in a Republican primary with Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, and businessman James Fishback. Notably, Collins picked up a few Florida sheriff endorsements over the last month.
But all in all, Rep. Donalds still has a wide range of support over his competitors.
President Donald Trump, Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), along with several Florida congressional and state leaders, have all endorsed Donalds in the race. In addition, Donalds has raised a significant amount of money in his bid.
The GOP primary is Aug. 18, 2026.
Sheriff Bubba giving a Trump forced reach around edorsement to BD. 🔥