• CD 15 Sheriffs are backing Laurel Lee for Congress
• Sheriffs Chronister, Judd & Nocco endorsed her campaign on Friday
• Lee will face Democrat Alan Cohn in November

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Pasco County Sheriff Chris Noccoare endorsing Republican congressional candidate Laurel Lee in her bid for Congressional District 15.

“I am honored to support Laurel Lee as the best candidate to serve Hillsborough County in the United States Congress,” said Sheriff Chronister. “One of my pledges as Hillsborough County Sheriff is to build a better, safer Hillsborough County, and having the right people represent us in Congress is a big part of that mission.  I know Laurel Lee will fight for our community just like my deputies and I do every day.”

Lee, a former Secretary of State for Governor Ron DeSantis, won the Republican Primary in August to become the GOP nominee in the race for CD 15. She will face Democrat Alan Cohn in the race to represent Florida’s newest congressional district.

“I’ve worked in Polk County law enforcement for 50 years, so not only do I know our county very well, but I know that our men and women of law enforcement need leaders that will support the difficult and challenging job that they do each and every day,” said Sheriff Judd. “It is because of this that I’m pleased to endorse Laurel Lee to represent us in Washington. I believe she is the right choice in the Congressional District 15 race.”

The trio are the latest to join a long list of those supporting Lee’s campaign. She has received the endorsements of Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, Florida Congressman Gus Bilirakis, former Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen, former State Attorney Mark Ober, and numerous local elected officials. She has also received the endorsements of the Everglades Trust, the Tampa Police Benevolent Association the West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association, and over 50 armed service veterans.

“Laurel Lee is our choice for Congressional District 15, and she’s the one we need representing our Pasco County in Washington,” added Sheriff Nocco. “Not only does she have experience in law enforcement locally, when she served as a prosecutor and a judge, but Laurel is also the right choice to have fighting for law enforcement in Congress. I proudly ask Pasco County voters to join me in supporting Laurel in November.”

In a Friday news release, Lee thanked the three for backing her campaign.

“I’m grateful to have the endorsements of Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco,” said Lee. “Each has served their communities well and with distinction. As a former prosecutor and judge, I fully understand the vital role of law enforcement and the importance of ensuring the safety of our citizens. I have a deep understanding and appreciation of the sacrifices our law enforcement – and their families – make in the name of public service on a daily basis. I intend to continue fully supporting and fighting for our law enforcement in Washington.”

The newly drawn CD 15 encompasses eastern Hillsborough County, along with parts of Pasco and Polk Counties.