Senate President-Designate Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton) and Sen. Jay Trumbull (R-Panama City) announced their endorsement of Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco for Florida's Senate District 21 seat.
"Sheriff Chris Nocco knows firsthand that in order to build a thriving economy that works for Florida families and to provide access to quality education opportunities for our children, we must first ensure our communities are safe," Boyd and Trumbull said in a statement this week.
"For more than 15 years, Sheriff Nocco has admirably led the Pasco Sheriff's Department with integrity, innovation, and transparency. A first responder to the attacks of 9/11 and sheriff to one of our nation's fastest-growing cities through a global pandemic, Chris Nocco is a leader for the fights ahead," Boyd and Trumpbull highlighted. "His proven ability to problem-solve and seek justice has made him an integral voice as Florida combated the national movement to defund the police and efforts to weaken law enforcement capabilities. He has been a tremendous partner for the Florida Legislature, and we are proud to endorse him for Florida Senate District 21 because we know that Chris Nocco will put Floridians first."
Senate District 21 includes parts of northern Pinellas County and western Pasco County along the Gulf of America. The seat is open following the retirement of Sen. Ed Hooper (R-Palm Harbor), who announced this week he was stepping aside.
Sen. Hooper has served SD 21 since 2018. Hooper defeated Democrat Doris Carroll with 62% of the vote in his most recent bid in 2024.
Nocco was elected sheriff of Pasco County in 2012. He was subsequently re-elected in 2016, 2020, and 2024.
He thanked Boyd and Trump for their endorsement.
"It's a huge honor to have the support of the @SenateCampaigns and great leaders like President-Designate @JimBoydFL and Senator @JayTrumbull. I look forward to partnering with them through the campaign and in the Senate!" Nocco wrote.
