Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco Wins State Senate Special Election
Col. Jeff Harrington assumes interim leadership of the sheriff's office as Gov. Ron DeSantis seeks a permanent successor for the Republican who served the role for 15 years.
By Katherine Diallo ·
Republican Chris Nocco secured victory in the Florida Senate District 21 special election on Tuesday, defeating Democrat Jordan Hensley. With all precincts reporting, Nocco received 57.7% of the vote against Hensley's 42.3%.
Nocco, who has served as Pasco County sheriff for nearly 15 years, will now represent parts of Pasco and Pinellas counties. He will serve the remaining two years of the term previously held by retiring state Sen. Ed Hooper. His campaign received backing from Gov. Ron DeSantis and other prominent Republicans.
The sheriff's office vacancy was addressed immediately. Chief Judge Shawn Crane of the 6th Judicial Circuit appointed Nocco's chief of staff, Col. Jeff Harrington, as interim sheriff late Monday. Nocco petitioned the court for a temporary replacement as his resignation became official at 11:59 p.m. Monday.
The sheriff's office stated that the interim appointment ensures uninterrupted law enforcement authority and operations in Pasco County until the governor makes an official appointment. Nocco was originally appointed to the sheriff's post in 2011 by then-Gov. Rick Scott and later won election to the position.
As of Wednesday morning, DeSantis had not announced a nominee for the permanent sheriff's role or provided a timeline for the appointment. Nocco's transition marks a shift in county leadership while he prepares to join the state legislature.
Source: WUSF Public Media
