Grady Judd endorses Byron Donalds for Governor

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has just endorsed Byron Donalds for Governor, touting the sitting Congressman’s public safety bona fides and support for tough-on-crime policies.

The endorsement adds to Donalds’ growing roster of supporters as he courts GOP Primary voters.

Judd, who has served as Sheriff for more than 20 straight years, said he’s “energetically” backing Donalds because of his steadfast allegiance to law enforcement and stronger sentencing policies, including “truth in sentencing,” mandatory minimums and opposition to early parole.

“He boldly supports law enforcement and holding criminals accountable. He steadfastly believes that the public’s safety comes first,” Judd said in a statement.

“Byron totally understands that keeping citizens and visitors safe must be government’s top priority. He is Florida’s best choice for Governor.”

Donalds called Judd “a nationally respected Sheriff” and framed the endorsement as validation of his pitch to be the race’s “law-and-order candidate.”

“Sheriff Judd knows I am … committed to backing the blue, enforcing the law, and keeping Florida families safe,” he said. “As Governor, there will be no confusion about where I stand: those who break the law will be behind bars, and public safety will always come first.”

Judd’s nod adds to endorsements from 27 other Florida Sheriffs. Donalds also carries vocal support from President Donald Trump, billionaire Elon Musk, roughly 75% of the Florida House Republican Caucus, 17 members of Florida’s congressional delegation, U.S. House leadership and many prominent national and state conservative figures.

The endorsement follows strong fourth-quarter fundraising in which Donalds added $13.1 million to his campaign coffers, topping $45 million since he launched his campaign last year.

Multiple polls show Donalds remains the clear front-runner in the Republican Primary and the only GOP candidate to garner double-digit support so far.

Other notable Republican candidates include Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former House Speaker Paul Renner and investment executive James Fishback, who has been accused of dating a minor and running for Governor while being registered to vote in two states.

Democrats running include ex-Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and former U.S. Rep. David Jolly.

The winner in November will succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis, who hasn’t yet issued an endorsement in the contest.