The News Service of Florida reports that Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister has withdrawn his name as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to serve as the next administrator of the Drug Enforcement Agency. Since his appointment to sheriff in 2017 by then-Gov. Rick Scott, Chronister won reelection three times. He was reelected this year without opposition. However, Chronister drew criticism from the right for his arrest of a local pastor for failing to abide by restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- “There is more work to be done for the citizens of Hillsborough County and a lot of initiatives I am committed to fulfilling,” Chronister posted on X Tuesday. “I sincerely appreciate the nomination, outpouring of support by the American people, and look forward to continuing my service as Sheriff of Hillsborough County.”
On the podcast “(we don’t) color on the dog,” Escambia Sheriff Chip Simmons stated that Chronister had a learning curve at the DEA but saw the benefits of having a sheriff in the role. “I think he’s going to do a fantastic job. He’s doing a good job at Hillsborough County. He has a wealth of knowledge on local law enforcement, local drug trends, and what the flow of drugs does to a local community.”
Florida Politics reports Jeff Witt has dropped out of the Republican primary for Rep. Matt Gaetz’s seat: “President Trump has made clear that he believes Jimmy Patronis is the right man to get the job done in Washington on behalf of the America First agenda, and I am joining the president in endorsing Jimmy Patronis for this seat.”
His website, wittforcongress.com, has been taken offline.
Who’s in: John Mills is back and running for Gaetz’s seat. Mills withdrew from the 2024 GOP primary for the seat.
- In 2022, he ran against incumbent State Sen. Doug Broxson, receiving only 24.4% of the primary vote.
- In 2020, he ran against Rep. Matt Gaetz, receiving only 9.6% of the primary vote.
- In 2018, he ran against Rep. Matt Gaetz, receiving only 5% of the primary vote.
Gizmo gives him 1500-1 odds to win the GOP primary.
The Florida Division of Elections website has added:
Davis, Tyler Leeana (NPA)
Dembinsky, Richard Paul (WRI)
Green, Jonathan Garrett (NPA)
Thompson, Michael Dylan (REP)
Valimont, Jennifer Gay (DEM)
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