Chris Nocco Enters Sheriff's Race

The question that’s been on the minds of those who follow Pasco County politics has officially been answered.

Sheriff Chris Nocco has thrown his name into the ring for the November election.

Nocco, a Republican, filed his paperwork with the Pasco County Supervisor of Election’s Office today, Jan.  3. He faces a field of opponents that includes two other Republicans–Roger Joseph Fortney and Mike “XX” Fox–and two Democrats–Kim Bogart and Larry Roberts, according to the election office’s website.

"Pasco County is facing the same issues as a large metropolitan county," Nocco said in a media release about his candidacy. "I believe we, the Sheriff's Office, are headed in the right direction to ensure the safety of our citizens."

When asked why he wants to remain in the sheriff’s post, Nocco said he had several reasons.

“It’s for our future,” he said. “I think that we’re building a great team here at the Pasco Sheriff’s Office.” Doing so, he said, makes the county safer and can help with economic recovery.

Nocco also said he appreciates being able to support deputies who serve on the front lines.

“I’ve never forgotten what it’s like to be a front line law enforcement officer,” he said. “To be able to support them (means) I’m successful in my job.”

If the field of sheriff candidates remains the same, Nocco will face off against the other Republican hopefuls during the Aug. 14 primary where the final Republican and Democratic candidates will be selected. Those victors will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot, said Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley.

Gov. Rick Scott following Bob White’s retirement in April.

Nocco started at the sheriff’s office as captain of administration. When White reorganized his agency after the, Nocco was appointed to major and installed as head of the newly created Joint Operations Bureau. This bureau oversees the Criminal Investigations Division and the Agency Support Division.

Nocco came to the agency in 2009 after serving as chief of staff to the Florida Highway Patrol in Tallahassee. Before that, he was chief of staff for Marco Rubio when he served as Speaker of the House of Representatives.  He has served in law enforcement in Broward County, Virginia and his home state of Pennsylvania, where his father also served in law enforcement.

Since taking over the sheriff's office, Nocco has placed a strong emphasis on combatting Pasco's. He has also .

Editor's note: This story was updated with comments from Sheriff Chris Nocco at 4:28 p.m. Jan. 3.