5 Sheriffs line up behind Danny Alvarez in HD 69

Danny Alvarez is heading into his re-election year with a wall of badges behind him.

The Hillsborough County Republican announced the endorsement of five of Florida’s best-known Sheriffs, a show of law enforcement support that reaches well beyond his House District 69 base in eastern Hillsborough.

Backing Alvarez are Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco — four of whom patrol counties outside Alvarez’s own district, a sign his standing with law enforcement carries across the state.

“As Florida continues to lead the nation, we cannot afford to wait on Washington to solve our problems,” Alvarez said. “Keeping our communities safe starts here at home by supporting the brave men and women who wear the badge, giving them the tools they need to succeed, and making sure they always know we have their backs.”

The Sheriffs pointed to Alvarez’s record of advancing conservative public safety policy, strengthening partnerships between state and local government, and working across jurisdictions to get results.

Chronister, whose deputies serve the same communities Alvarez represents in Tallahassee, framed it as a hometown vote of confidence.

“Danny Alvarez never stops fighting for Hillsborough County,” Chronister said. “He brings people together, gets things done, and always puts public safety and our families first. Whether he’s working on legislation or helping solve local challenges, Danny is the kind of leader who understands that strong communities are built through teamwork and service.”

Gualtieri, who also chairs major statewide law enforcement panels, called Alvarez “a proven leader who builds consensus and delivers real results,” adding that in Tallahassee he “has earned a reputation for bringing people together, finding solutions, and never losing sight of the people we serve.”

Then there was Judd, the Polk County Sheriff whose blunt endorsements carry their own weight in Florida politics.

“When it comes to protecting Florida, Danny Alvarez doesn’t back down,” Judd said. “He stands shoulder to shoulder with the men and women of law enforcement, believes criminals belong behind bars and fights every day to keep our communities safe. He leads with integrity, does what he says he’ll do. … That’s the kind of leader Florida needs.”

Ivey and Nocco each praised Alvarez’s willingness to collaborate and stand firm on his values.

Throughout his time in the Florida House, Alvarez has championed measures to strengthen law enforcement, protect victims, hold criminals accountable and make sure first responders have the resources they need. He faces voters again November against Democrat Ashley Elizabeth Herrmann.

___

Ed. note: This story was drafted with assistance from AI. Editorial judgment, sourcing, and final review were performed by Peter Schorsch and the Florida Politics editorial team.