Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco trades badge for Senate bid, faces $250,000 fundraising gap

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco will step down from his law enforcement role in November to pursue a seat in the Florida Senate. The move creates a direct contest for Senate District 21, a position vacated by Republican Sen. Ed Hooper, who is retiring with two years remaining in his term.

Nocco has led the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office since 2011. During his 15-year tenure, the agency’s budget more than doubled, reaching approximately $174.5 million. He cites a desire to address issues beyond public safety as his primary motivation for leaving the department.

His opponent is Jordan Hensley, a Democrat with no prior elected office experience. Hensley currently works at the Fenway Hotel in New Port Richey. He entered the race after observing that no other Democrat had filed to challenge Nocco.

The two candidates present contrasting profiles to voters. Nocco brings deep political ties, having previously worked for Marco Rubio in the Florida House. He was appointed to the Homeland Security Advisory Council by President Donald Trump in 2020 and currently receives backing from Governor Ron DeSantis.

Hensley describes himself as a political outsider who has never attended a party meeting or rally. He argues that his lack of establishment connections allows him to vote based on personal financial interests rather than corporate donors.

A stark difference in resources defines the campaign. Records show Nocco has raised more than $260,000 for his bid. Hensley states he has raised about $10,000. He acknowledges the financial gap but points to his working-class status as a point of connection with local residents.

Nocco will remain sheriff until the midterm elections in November. Governor DeSantis will appoint a successor to the sheriff's office, with the next general election for that position scheduled for 2028. Nocco argues this timeline gives voters a two-year trial period to evaluate the new sheriff.

The race covers parts of northern Pinellas County and southwest Pasco County. Hensley aims to leverage his position as a paycheck-to-paycheck worker to resonate with voters facing high living costs. He contrasts his candidacy with Nocco’s, emphasizing that he is not voting for large corporate interests.