Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony easily won his reelection bid Tuesday with over two-thirds of the vote.
He defeated challenger Charles Whatley, a retired BSO deputy who ran as an independent. Tony ran as a Democrat.
“I’m extremely grateful for the peoples’ continued trust and confidence in my administration,” Tony said in a statement on social media after his victory. “The enhancements we’ve made in training, equipment, community policing, accountability, and organizational culture has resulted in numerous lives being saved. Moreover, you the people, feel safe and secure under my leadership. My devotion to the people of Broward County will remain steadfast. I will always prioritize public safety over politics.”
Tony was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2019 to replace Scott Israel and has served close to six years as sheriff. He now will serve a full second term.
His reelection campaign withstood public controversies over cost overruns at the new $74 million training center, rising complaints over a series of jail deaths, and a pending reprimand and other discipline from a state oversight panel over not telling the truth on driver’s license application forms.
But those controversies did not hold back the sheriff, who had previously coasted to victory in the August primary, defeating three opponents. His consultant, Eric Johnson, previously told the South Florida Sun Sentinel that his goal was to focus on the positives, particularly his record on safety and emergency response.
“As we move forward into the next four years, I share a message of hope and unity for our country, state and for the Broward community,” Tony’s statement continued. ” As partisan politics continue to polarize and divide our nation, I will continue to encourage elected officials and leaders to focus on building unity versus division.”