The Brief
- Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco is resigning in November to run for Florida State Senate District 21.
- Democratic candidate Jordan Hensley, a long-time Tampa Bay bartender and restaurant manager, is running against Nocco for the open seat.
- Retiring Republican Sen. Ed Hooper endorsed Nocco for the district, which covers parts of Pasco and Pinellas counties.
NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. – Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco announced he will resign Nov. 3 to run for Florida State Senate District 21, facing off against Democrat Jordan Hensley in the November election.
Sheriff steps down for Senate
What we know:
Nocco announced in May that he will step down on Election Day, Nov. 3, ending a 15-year tenure leading the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. Former Gov. Rick Scott first appointed Nocco as sheriff in 2011, and voters reelected him in 2012, 2016, 2020 and 2024.
Future leadership in district
What we don’t know:
It remains unclear who will fill the Pasco County sheriff role after Nocco steps down on Nov. 3.
Background in public service
The backstory:…