Gov. Ron DeSantis announced his endorsement of Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco for Florida's Senate District 21 seat in a social media post this week.
"Today I am happy to endorse Sheriff @ChrisNocco for Senate District 21! He has done a great job as Pasco Sheriff, stands fully behind our property tax elimination efforts, and will be a strong conservative voice in the State Legislature," DeSantis wrote.
Nocco, a Republican, was elected sheriff of Pasco County in 2012. He was subsequently re-elected in 2016, 2020, and 2024.
As sheriff, Pasco County was the first agency in the Tampa Bay area to adopt body worn cameras. Nocco also helped develop F1RST (Florida’s Forensic Institute for Research, Security and Tactics), a training center designed to "create synergy between academia, public safety and the private sector."
Moreover, Nocco oversaw hiring practices for numerous veterans, which was recognized by the Employers Support of the Guard and Reserve. His School Resource Officer unit was also honored as the 2022 School Resource Officer unit of the year by the Florida Association of School Resource Officers.
Nocco previously worked at the Fairfax County (VA) Police Department and with the Broward County Sheriff's Office.
He thanked Gov. DeSantis for his endorsement.
"Thank you, Governor! Your commitment to our law enforcement community and the rule of law has made Florida the greatest state in the nation. I look forward to continuing our shared commitment to freedom and prosperity in the Florida Senate," Nocco wrote.
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 his retirement in May.
Sen. Hooper won SD 21 by 24 points over Democrat Doris Carroll in 2024.
Gov. DeSantis's endorsement follows Senate President-Designate Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton) and Sen. Jay Trumbull (R-Panama City) support of Nocco last month. Nocco is currently the only filed candidate in the race.
The special primary election is Aug. 18, 2026, with the special general election on Nov. 3.
