• The Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA) on Monday endorsed Rick Scott for his re-election in the U.S. Senate, citing his strong legislative support for police and opposition to defunding efforts.
• FPCA leaders highlighted Scott’s history of collaboration with police chiefs, dating back to his tenure as Governor of Florida.
• Upon receiving the endorsement, Scott reaffirmed his commitment to law enforcement and criticized soft-on-crime policies.

The Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA) on Monday formally endorsed Rick Scott in his bid for re-election in the U.S. Senate. The organization has endorsed Scott in prior statewide elections, including his gubernatorial campaign as an incumbent in 2014.

Orginazation officials pointed to Scott’s rack recording in legislatively backing police departments in issuing the endorsement, specifically referencing the senator’s opposition to efforts in Washington to defund the police. FPCA leaders also emphasized Scotts’ history of collaboration with police chiefs, beginning during his tenure as Governor of Florida.

“On behalf of the Florida Police Chiefs Association, we are honored to endorse Senator Rick Scott for reelection to the United States Senate,” said FPCA president Charles “Chuck” Broadway. “Senator Scott has always made public safety a top priority, and he knows that supporting the brave men and women in blue who put their lives at risk every day is the first step to keeping Florida’s communities safe.”

Upon receiving the endorsement, Scott reaffirmed his support of law enforcement agencies, maintaining his intent to provide necessary resources while disavowing soft-on-crime legislation.

“This group is critical to our state and they care deeply about providing all Floridians with the opportunity to live safely. Democrats’ soft-on-crime policies have wreaked havoc on states like New York and California and we cannot ever let Florida go down that path,” said Scott. “I’m going to keep fighting for Florida law enforcement up in Washington so they have the tools they need to do their job.”

In July, Scott garnered early support from law enforcement officers by securing endorsements from 59 Sheriffs, spanning both political parties and encompassing the majority of Florida’s counties.

Scott, a two-term Florida governor, narrowly defeated Democrat incumbent Bill Nelson in the 2018 Senate election, garnering approximately 10,000 more votes than the former astronaut, marking the first time since the Reconstruction era that Republicans held both Senate seats in Florida.

Former Democrat Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell announced in August that she is challenging Scott for his seat in the Senate. Before formally commencing her candidacy, Mucarsel-Powell received the backing of Democrat leaders as Politico reported in July that U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and various Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee officials made attempts to persuade her to join the race.

Murcasel-Powell, who served in Washington from 2019 to 2021, drew even higher expectations to join the race after Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell announced that she is refraining from running, instead opting to run for re-election in the Florida House.

Mucarsel-Powell joined former Congressional candidate Phil Ehr in the Democratic field, who in July announced his campaign. Former U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson also filed paperwork to join the Senate race but has yet to formally announce a campaign.

The lone poll conducted thus far — and before Mucarel-Powell’s entry — gives Scott a four-point lead over Ehr. As the election cycle draws nearer, Scott is widely anticipated to retain his seat, holding the ability to outspend any contenders.