Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) recently made headlines by sharing inflammatory remarks on social media, and the criticism from both sides of the aisle is mounting.
In a Facebook post, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, who endorsed Rep. Fine for Congress last month, has announced that he is rescinding his endorsement. Sheriff Chitwood's endorsement first came during an announcement that all six of the sheriffs in Rep. Fine's constituted district were backing the first-term congressman.
The controversy stems from a social media post where the Florida Republican wrote, "If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one."
Despite criticism, calls for his resignation, and efforts to censure him, Rep. Fine has doubled down on the comment.
Sheriff Chitwood has released his own response, writing, "I appreciate the good work Rep. Fine has done to protect our Jewish neighbors, but as Sheriff I just can't turn a blind eye to the harm he's doing to our Muslim community."
"In Volusia County, that community is small, but no less deserving of protection," Sheriff Chitwood added. "They are our neighbors, business leaders, philanthropists, doctors, teachers and colleagues."
Calling on Rep. Fine to "reconsider his position," the Volusia County sheriff shared that he "can no longer support or endorse his campaign to speak for all of us in the House of Representatives."
Rep. Fine faces a GOP challenger in Aaron Baker, who told The Floridian in a November 2025 interview that Rep. Fine does not represent the "America First" agenda. Jennifer Jenkins, the former Brevard County School Board member who first challenged Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL) before entering the race against Rep. Fine, is looking to turn the seat blue.
President Donald Trump endorsed Rep. Fine for Congress.
Sheriff Chitwood has since shared that he spoke to the Florida Republican about rescinding his endorsement, noting that Rep. Fine asked him to share a statement about their conversation.
"I respect Sheriff Chitwood and every thing he's done to keep Volusia County safe, no matter your religious faith. We agree that no one should face discrimination for who they are and that no one should be able to use their faith to force their values on others. We both speak our minds and that's what friends do. I will always support his work and the job the men and women of the VCSO do day in and day out and look forward to continue to partner with him as your Congressman," the statement reads.
