NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — Chris Nocco's 15-year tenure as Pasco County sheriff has come to an end as he won the special election for Florida Senate District 21 in Tuesday's general election, according to multiple reports. His interim replacement was also named by a Florida judge.
Nocco, a Republican, defeated Democratic challenger Jordan Hensley, a Tampa Bay-area bartender and political newcomer, in the election, according to unofficial results reported by Tampa Bay 28.
The former sheriff received 60.7 percent of the vote compared to Hensley's 39.3 percent, unofficial results from the Florida Division of Elections show on Wednesday morning.
"I am humbled by the trust the voters have placed in me. Just as being Sheriff, it is an honor and a responsibility I do not take lightly," Nocco wrote in a Tuesday night social media post. "Now, it's time to get to work. I'm ready to lead from the front and advocate for Florida's families, address the challenges facing our communities, and advance fiscally responsible solutions that make Florida a better place to live, work, and raise a family."
He added, "I will never take the responsibility to represent the residents of North Pinellas or West Pasco lightly. You have stood by me and I will always fight for you."
Nocco's projected victory follows his resignation as sheriff, which took effect at 11:59 p.m. on Monday as he prepared to transition to the state legislature.
Jeff Harrington, who served as Nocco's chief of staff, was appointed interim sheriff by the chief judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, Fox 13 reported. His appointment took effect at midnight on Tuesday, ensuring the sheriff's office would have leadership in place after Nocco left.
According to Pasco News, the sheriff's office said the appointment was intended to ensure "uninterrupted law enforcement authority and operations" in the county until the governor makes an official appointment to fill the vacancy. His interim position doesn't necessarily mean he will be selected as the permanent replacement.
Harrington previously served as chief deputy for the Pasco Sheriff's Office and chief of police for the New Port Richey Police Department. He also served as a professor of practice at Norwich University, Tampa Bay 28 said.
Nocco was first appointed sheriff in 2011 by then-Gov. Rick Scott. He subsequently won election in 2012 and was reelected in 2016, 2020 and 2024. Before leading the Pasco Sheriff's Office, he worked in law enforcement in Philadelphia, Broward County and Virginia, and held positions in state government.
He announced his intention to leave the sheriff's office in May to pursue the Senate District 21 seat, which became vacant as Republican Sen. Ed Hooper of Clearwater prepared to leave the Legislature.
The district includes portions of southwest Pasco County and northern Pinellas County, including communities around Port Richey, New Port Richey and Clearwater.
Nocco will serve the remainder of Hooper's term and will need to run again in 2028, reports said.
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