Florida Governor Ron DeSantis once called Grady Judd the "greatest governor in the United States" in 2022.
Now the Polk County Sheriff is throwing his weight behind someone else.
And Sheriff Grady Judd just handed Byron Donalds the one endorsement that has Florida Democrats panicking.
Judd Brings Conservative Law Enforcement Credibility To Donalds
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced his endorsement of Byron Donalds for Florida Governor on January 23, 2026.
Judd is one of the most powerful law enforcement figures in Florida politics.
He's served as Polk County Sheriff since 2004 and just won a sixth term in November with over 83% of the vote.
The sheriff called Donalds "Florida's best choice for Governor" and praised his commitment to law enforcement.
"He boldly supports law enforcement and holding criminals accountable," Judd said. "Byron totally understands that keeping citizens and visitors safe must be the government's top priority."
Judd pointed to Donalds' support for truth in sentencing laws, mandatory minimums, and opposition to early release parole.
"He steadfastly believes that the public's safety comes first," Judd added.
https://twitter.com/ByronDonalds/status/2014838516903993743?s=20
Trump Effect Propels Donalds To Dominant Lead
Donalds is crushing the Republican primary field in every poll.
A January poll by Fabrizio, Lee & Associates showed Donalds leading declared candidates 47% to 5% for second place.
When voters learn Trump endorsed Donalds, his support jumps to 76%.
Even if Lt. Governor Jay Collins or First Lady Casey DeSantis enter the race, the Trump endorsement gives Donalds massive leads.
Donalds has raised more than $45 million total, including $13.1 million in the fourth quarter alone.
No other candidate comes close.
Trump called Donalds "a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida" when he endorsed him in February 2025.
https://twitter.com/tallytina27/status/2015026257293939082?s=20
Sheriff Endorsements Show Law Enforcement Consolidation Behind Donalds
Judd's endorsement brings Donalds' total to 28 Florida sheriffs backing his candidacy.
That represents roughly 42% of Florida's 67 sheriffs.
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey was the first major law enforcement figure to endorse Donalds back in September 2025.
Other prominent sheriffs include Seminole County's Dennis Lemma and Miami-Dade's Rosie Cordero-Stutz.
Donalds responded to Judd's endorsement by calling him "a nationally respected Sheriff."
"Sheriff Judd knows I am the law-and-order candidate in this race," Donalds stated. "As Governor, there will be no confusion about where I stand: those who break the law will be behind bars, and public safety will always come first."
https://twitter.com/FLVoiceNews/status/2014822292803534919?s=20
Florida's Sheriff Endorsements Carry Enormous Weight
Sheriff endorsements matter in Florida Republican politics.
DeSantis secured endorsements from 54 sheriffs during his 2024 re-election campaign.
In Florida's GOP primaries, sheriffs serve as validators of conservative credentials on crime.
Rural and suburban Republican voters trust their local sheriffs more than almost any other political figure.
Judd himself has become a national conservative figure through his tough-on-crime policies and frequent media appearances.
He led major operations against drug trafficking and human trafficking.
His work with Chris Hansen catching predators on TV made him famous beyond Florida.
Republicans across the state know Judd doesn't mess around when it comes to crime.
Donalds Is Building An Unstoppable Law Enforcement Coalition
Look at the timing here.
Donalds rolled out 15 sheriff endorsements back in September.
He added another 13 in November.
Now Judd and Dennis Lemma both jump in within days of each other.
That's not a coincidence.
Donalds is systematically locking down every major sheriff in Florida before his opponents can even get started.
Each endorsement makes it tougher for Collins, Renner, or Fishback to claim they're the real law-and-order candidate.
DeSantis has refused to endorse anyone despite serving with Collins as his Lieutenant Governor.
That silence speaks volumes about Donalds' position.
Democrats Face Nightmare Matchup In General Election
The Democrat field looks weak compared to Donalds' growing operation.
Former Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and ex-Congressman David Jolly are the main Democrat candidates.
Neither has shown the ability to compete in a state that's moved sharply Republican.
Trump won Florida by 13 points in 2024.
DeSantis won re-election by 19 points in 2022.
Democrats haven't won a gubernatorial race in Florida since 1994.
Donalds leads Jolly by 11 points in recent head-to-head polling.
His law-and-order message combined with Trump's endorsement creates the exact profile to dominate in Florida.
Sheriff endorsements like Judd's only strengthen Donalds against Democrat attacks on crime and public safety.
Judd gives Donalds the credibility to say he has Florida's toughest law enforcement officials backing him.
That's the endorsement Democrats feared most because they can't counter it.
Sources:
- Jesse Scheckner, "'Florida's best choice': Grady Judd endorses Byron Donalds for Governor," Florida Politics, January 23, 2026.
- Frank Kopylov, "Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd endorses Byron Donalds for Florida Governor," Florida Voice News, January 23, 2026.
- "Latest 2026 Florida GOP gubernatorial poll shows Byron Donalds blowing away the rest of the field," Florida Phoenix, January 2026.
- "Grady Judd," Wikipedia, accessed January 26, 2026.
- "DeSantis endorses 54 Florida sheriff candidates in 2024 election," Florida Voice News, August 9, 2024.
