Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco has announced that he will step down from his position later this year to run for a seat in the Florida State Senate, marking one of the most significant political transitions in the region in recent years.
Nocco confirmed he plans to resign in November 2026 in order to campaign for Florida Senate District 21, a seat currently held by Republican Senator Ed Hooper, who recently announced his retirement.
A Major Political Shift in Pasco County
Nocco has served as Pasco County Sheriff for approximately 15 years and has become one of the most recognizable political figures in the Tampa Bay region. He was originally appointed sheriff in 2011 by former Florida Governor Rick Scott following the retirement of then-Sheriff Bob White.
Since then, Nocco has won multiple reelection campaigns and built a reputation as a strong conservative law enforcement leader in Florida politics.
In a public statement announcing his candidacy, Nocco said he wants to bring his public safety experience to Tallahassee.
“As sheriff for the past 15 years, I have worked to keep our community safe and build strong partnerships across every part of our region,” Nocco stated.
He also emphasized his support for what he described as “family-focused, Florida-first ideas” and pledged to continue backing pro-law-enforcement policies at the state level.
Senate District 21 Opens After Ed Hooper Retirement
The decision comes shortly after State Senator Ed Hooper announced he would not seek reelection, creating a major opening in Senate District 21. The district includes portions of Pasco County and Pinellas County in Florida’s Gulf Coast region.
Hooper, a longtime Republican lawmaker, has served in the Florida Legislature for years and recently chaired the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Political observers believe Nocco will immediately become one of the strongest Republican contenders for the seat due to his regional visibility, fundraising network, and law enforcement background.
From Law Enforcement to State Politics
Although best known for his role as sheriff, Nocco also has deep roots in Florida Republican politics.
Before joining the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, he worked in several state government and political roles, including:
- Broward County field director for George W. Bush’s 2004 campaign
- Staff director for the Florida House Policy and Procedure Office
- Deputy chief of staff for former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio
- Chief of staff for the Florida Highway Patrol
Nocco joined the Pasco Sheriff’s Office in 2009 and rose quickly through the ranks before becoming sheriff two years later.
A Polarizing but Influential Sheriff
During his tenure, Nocco became known for aggressively promoting community policing, anti-drug initiatives, and technology-driven law enforcement strategies. However, his administration also faced criticism from civil liberties advocates over controversial intelligence-led policing programs and aggressive predictive policing practices.
Despite the criticism, Nocco remained politically popular in Pasco County and maintained strong support among conservative voters and Florida Republican leadership.
What Happens Next?
Nocco said he will remain sheriff until November before officially stepping down to focus on the Senate campaign.
The election for Senate District 21 is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
His departure will also trigger a major leadership transition within the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, though no official successor has yet been announced.
Florida Republicans Continue Building Law Enforcement Influence
Nocco’s Senate campaign reflects a broader trend in Florida politics where law enforcement officials increasingly move into elected office.
Republican leaders across the state have frequently emphasized “law-and-order” policies, public safety initiatives, and support for police agencies as central campaign themes. Nocco’s candidacy is expected to align closely with those priorities.
Given his longstanding relationships with Florida Republican power brokers and his high profile across the Tampa Bay area, analysts believe he could quickly emerge as one of the most influential new figures in the Florida Senate if elected.
