Sheriffs keep lining up as Byron Donalds racks up endorsements

Yet another Sheriff is falling in behind Byron Donalds in his bid for the Republican nomination in the race for Governor.

Pat Breeden of Sumter County is the 37th of the state’s 67 sheriffs to back the Naples Republican, who is endorsed by President Donald Trump and dominating in fundraising and polls against the field.

“Byron Donalds understands being a law-and-order state means giving our officers the resources, training, and backing they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. It means enforcing our laws, holding criminals accountable, and making it clear that there are consequences for those who threaten our communities,” Breeden said Wednesday.

Breeden, a native of Sumter County, was first elected in 2024, and the career lawman has served in law enforcement in Sumter County for 35 years, working his way up the ranks.

He’s served in Corrections, Patrol, K-9, Criminal Investigations, the Special Investigations Unit, Special Operations, and the SWAT Team before becoming a Major in 2019 and an Undersheriff four years later.

Breeden is “proud to support Byron because he will lead with accountability, stand firmly behind the men and women who put on the badge every day, and ensure Florida remains a place where families feel safe, businesses can thrive, and our communities continue to grow strong.”

The Donalds campaign has prioritized its endorsements from sheriffs, which are key in Republican Primaries as they show a candidate’s commitment to the rule of law.

“Byron Donalds is the proven law and order candidate for Florida Governor,” said Ryan Smith, Chief Strategist for the Byron Donalds Campaign, as he spotlighted a previous endorsement. “He is the only candidate for Governor fighting against the Democrats’ soft-on-crime agenda. As Governor, he will work with Florida law enforcement and President Trump to keep Florida one of the safest states in the nation.”

It’s not just law enforcement offering support. Donalds also earned an endorsement from the Associated Industries of Florida, which dubs itself the “Voice of Florida Business,” and from the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association.

Additionally, Elon Musk, U.S. House leadership, 17 members of Florida’s congressional delegation and 75% of the Republican Caucus in the Florida House support Donalds.

Donalds is also setting fundraising records for gubernatorial races in the state.

He raked in $22.2 million in the first quarter of 2026, bringing his total fundraising to over $67 million.

In addition to having money and key endorsements, the people are with the three-term Congressman as well.

An Emerson College poll released earlier this month showed Donalds with 46% support. An additional 39% of respondents were undecided, with other candidates getting 15% between them.