The Florida Police Benevolent Association (PBA) recently announced its endorsement of Congressman and Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds (R-FL) for governor by praising his support to law and order.
"Byron Donalds has built a record in Congress of backing the men and women who wear the badge. As a Representative for Southwest Florida, he's been a consistent voice for law and order, for supporting the resources our officers need to do their jobs safely, and for standing firmly against efforts to defund or demonize the police," the Florida PBA wrote.
"As Governor, we believe Byron Donalds will continue that fight — advocating for competitive pay and benefits for our officers, backing policies that keep our communities safe, and ensuring law enforcement has a real seat at the table in Tallahassee," it continued.
The Florida PBA, founded in 1972, is the state's largest police union with over 31,000 members.
"Florida's law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every single day to protect our communities. They deserve a Governor who understands that sacrifice and will stand with them — not just in words, but in action...we're proud to give Byron Donalds our full endorsement for Governor of Florida!" the union added.
The endorsement follows support from the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) for Rep. Donalds in his gubernatorial bid earlier this month. The FOP is the second largest police union in the state with more than 24,000 members.
Rep. Donalds was also endorsed by the Florida Police Chiefs Association in July.
All three law endorsements are not too surprising. Rep. Donalds had already locked up support from several Florida sheriffs including Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco, Duval County Sheriff T.K. Waters, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, and Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz.
Donalds also added 17 more in August.
Donalds is competing against Democratic candidate David Jolly for governor. The Republican hopeful and his PAC have attacked Jolly on his policies for the last several months, including on his insurance plan last week.
The general election is Nov. 3.
