Chris Nocco has secured victory in the special election for Florida Senate District 21, concluding his long career as Pasco County sheriff and transitioning to legislative leadership. The Republican candidate defeated Democrat Jordan Hensley with an overwhelming margin of over fifty-seven percent of the vote reported across most precincts in the area. Nocco has spent fifteen years leading the Sheriff’s Office since his appointment in 2011 by Governor Rick Scott before entering state politics. Following the announcement, Nocco celebrated with family, colleagues, and political allies at a local venue while outlining priorities like housing affordability and post-hurricane rebuilding. The winner will serve the remainder of the term until 2028, when he must face voters again in a regular election cycle. His departure leaves the Sheriff’s Office under temporary leadership managed by his former chief of staff. Hensley, a new candidate from the restaurant industry, acknowledged the tough challenge against an established incumbent with significantly more campaign resources.
Key Points:
- Chris Nocco won the special election for Florida Senate District 21 by 57.66% of the vote.
