Democratic Gadsen County Sheriff Morris Young announced his endorsement of Republican Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Blaise Ingoglia by praising his commitment to safety and supporting law enforcement through a press statement this week.
“Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia understands that supporting law enforcement isn’t a partisan issue; it’s about the safety of our communities,” Sheriff Young said. “He has stood with law enforcement every step of the way, providing key funding to ensure that deputies and officers across the state have the tools they need to keep Florida safe. Blaise Ingoglia is the only choice for Florida Chief Financial Officer.”
Young has been the sheriff of Gadsen County since 2004. Young is the longest serving African American sheriff in Florida history.
Gadsen County is located on the Florida Panhandle just west of Tallahassee.
CFO Ingoglia thanked Young for his endorsement.
“I am honored to have the support of Sheriff Morris Young. Sheriff Young understands what every law enforcement officer knows: keeping our communities safe is not a Republican issue or a Democrat issue – It is an American responsibility," Ingoglia said. "Public safety must always rise above party politics, and supporting the brave men and women who protect our communities will always be at the forefront of my service.”
Ingoglia won his Republican
primary over 61% of the vote over challenger Frank Collige last week. He will now face Democratic candidate Annette Tadeo, who defeated challenger Earle Ford with 66% of the vote in the Democratic primary.
The general election is Nov. 3.
Morris's endorsement is a fairly rare instance of bi-partisan support and could help Ingoglia in the general election. Ingoglia has also received support from more than 60 Florida sheriffs, over 70 state lawmakers, the National Association of Police Organizations, the Associated Industries of Florida, every past Republican CFO in Florida history, and the Republican Party of Florida.
