Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Interim Sheriff Jeff Harrington as the permanent sheriff of Pasco County, the agency confirmed on Wednesday.
The announcement follows Sheriff Chris Nocco’s victory in a special election held Tuesday, in which he secured the seat for Florida Senate District 21, defeating Democratic candidate Jordan Hensley. Nocco, a Republican who received the endorsement of Governor DeSantis and other prominent party figures, earned approximately 57.7% of the vote compared to Hensley’s 42.3%, with all precincts reporting results. He will serve the remaining two years of retiring state Senator Ed Hooper’s term, representing portions of Pasco and Pinellas counties.
Nocco’s resignation from the sheriff’s office took effect at 11:59 p.m. on Monday. Originally appointed to the position in 2011 by then-Governor Rick Scott, Nocco went on to win multiple subsequent terms before petitioning the court for a temporary replacement in anticipation of his departure. Chief Judge Shawn Crane of the 6th Judicial Circuit responded by naming Harrington as interim sheriff late Monday evening.
Governor DeSantis formally confirmed Harrington’s appointment on Wednesday. Harrington brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience to the role, including over 14 years of service with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. Most recently, he served as Nocco’s chief of staff, holding the rank of colonel.
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office expressed that it was pleased with the governor’s decision to make Harrington’s appointment permanent.
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