State Sen. Ed Hooper announced his retirement on Election Day, allowing Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco to replace him. Hooper, who leads the Senate budget committee, cited family and community considerations in his letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis. Within hours, Senate Presidents Jim Boyd and Jay Trumbull endorsed Nocco, who declared his candidacy as a conservative Republican. Nocco, a former House member and Marco Rubio aide, resigned as sheriff in November. His tenure included controversies over a crime prediction program that monitored residents and a secret list of school children, which drew criticism. Despite this, supporters like Tax Collector Mike Fasano praised his service.
Sheriff Nocco to Replace Retiring State Senator Hooper
