Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper and Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum announced their endorsements of Lt. Gov. Jay Collins for Florida governor by praising his leadership and miliary service.
“Throughout my nearly 50-year career in law enforcement, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about making promises—it’s about showing up and delivering results," Leeper said in a statement this week. “Jay Collins has spent his life serving others, first as a decorated Green Beret, then as a public servant committed to protecting Florida’s families and communities. He understands the challenges facing our state and has the courage, integrity, and experience to meet them head-on. That’s why I’m proud to endorse Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins as the next Governor of Florida. I believe he’ll continue to keep Florida safe, strong, and moving forward for generations to come.”
Leeper has been sheriff of Nassau County since 2012. He was re-elected as sheriff in 2016, 2020, and 2024.
Nassau County is located in northeast Florida and includes Jacksonville. Leeper also served thirty-five years with the Florida Highway Patrol before retiring.
“Lt. Governor Jay Collins is already a great leader for our state and I am proud to endorse him as he runs to be our next governor,” McCallum added. “Jay’s lifetime of service and love for our country is like no other. He knows what it takes to lead under pressure and he has consistently worked for the best interest of Floridians. That’s why Governor DeSantis appointed him to serve as Lt. Governor and that’s why I’m proud to stand by him.”
McCallum has been sheriff of Levy County since 2012. McCallum was re-elected as sheriff in 2016, 2020, and 2024.
Levy County is located in Florida's Big Bend region on the northwest coast. McCallum has been with the Levy County Sheriff's Office since 1969, including work as a dispatcher and jailer.
Lt. Gov. Collins thanked Leeper and McCallum for their endorsements.
“I’m grateful to have the endorsement and support of Sheriff Bill Leeper and Sheriff Bobby McCallum,” Collins said. "As Governor, I will work hand in hand with law enforcement and leaders like Sheriff Leeper to keep our state safe and prosperous. We’ve worked hard for Florida to set the standard. We won’t have any blue-state-style chaos and disorder here. We can’t allow anyone to New York our Florida. Not on my watch.”
The endorsements bring Lt. Gov. Collins' Florida sheriff endorsements for governor to seven.
Hardee County Sheriff Vent Crawford, Santa Rose County Sheriff Bob Johnson, Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, and Interim Osceola County Sheriff Christopher Blackmon have also endorsed Collins in his bid.
Collins is in a Republican primary with U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, and businessman James Fishback.
The primary is Aug. 18.
