Rick Scott launches ‘Law Enforcement for Rick Scott,’ boasts criminal justice endorsements
TAMPA, Fla. – Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., announced the launch of “Law Enforcement for Rick Scott,” highlighting several endorsements from various Florida criminal justice figures.
Endorsements included support from Attorney General Ashley Moody, multiple state attorneys and former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Scott has also been endorsed by 60 Florida sheriffs, the Florida Police Chiefs Association, the Florida Association of State Troopers and the Hispanic Police Officers Association. Scroll to the bottom of this report for the full list.
The announcements come as Scott seeks reelection for his U.S. Senate seat that he has held since 2019.
“I’m honored to be endorsed by Attorney General Ashley Moody and so many of our great State Attorneys who are working hard every day to keep dangerous criminals off our streets,” Scott said in a press release. “I have worked with Attorney General Moody to combat the opioid crisis, keep kids safe at school, and protect seniors from scams that they are so often targeted by.”
“We’ve also worked together to ensure Florida law enforcement officers have the resources they need to keep Floridians safe. I’m also honored to be endorsed by former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi,” he added. “Pam and I worked hard to keep Floridians safe during my time as governor.”
Scott emphasized the importance of the 2024 election, arguing that his opponent was “handpicked” by President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
“Every day, we see what is happening in states like New York and California where prosecutors refuse to do their jobs. Crime is out of control. Businesses are closing and career criminals are released onto the streets,” he said.
“Under Joe Biden, our border is wide open, and it has led to the deadly flow of fentanyl into our country. I’m proud that my END FENTANYL Act passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and was recently signed into law,” he continued. “This bill is an important first step in combatting the deadly opioid crisis that has tragically killed hundreds of thousands of Americans and affected the lives of millions. But there is still so much work left to do.”
Moody commented on her support for the senator in a statement, arguing that Scott’s work for law enforcement and criminal justice has been greatly appreciated.
“Whether it’s supporting law enforcement, combatting the opioid crisis, or protecting seniors, I can always count on Senator Scott to be an unwavering ally in Washington,” she said. “We’re working together to ensure that Washington Democrats’ lawless agenda never comes near the Sunshine State, and we are united in the fight to hold the Biden administration accountable for their dangerous policies and open borders that have Americans feeling less safe.”
Scott’s campaign highlighted several ways in which he has sought to uplift law enforcement, protect Florida’s students and educators and combat the fentanyl crisis.
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, a former U.S. representative from South Florida is Scott’s leading Democratic challenger. He also faces minor primary opposition from figures such as businessman Keith Gross.
The Cook Political Report rates Scott’s seat as a “likely R.” One less than a “Solid R.” Few polls have been conducted on the race, but all appear to show the incumbent senator defeating the Democrat.
Full list of state attorneys who have endorsed Scott:
13th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Suzy Lopez, 1st Judicial Circuit State Attorney Ginger Madden, 10th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Brian Haas, 16th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Dennis Ward, 20th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Amira Fox, 12th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Ed Brodsky, 5th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson, 4th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Melissa Nelson, 7th Judicial Circuit State Attorney R.J. Larizza, 6th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bruce Bartlett, and 18th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Phil Archer.
Team Rick Scott
