TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Several sheriffs from around the Tampa Bay area were challenged for their position on Tuesday night in primary elections.
Some local sheriffs faced a primary challenge while others decided not to run for re-election. One sheriff – Bob Gualtieri of Pinellas County – did not have a primary challenger but did find out Tuesday which Democratic candidate will run against him in November’s general election.
Citrus County
Citrus County Sheriff Michael Prendergast was challenged by three other candidates in a Republican primary. Prendergast was elected to office in 2016.
Hardee County
Five candidates ran in a universal primary to become the next Hardee County sheriff. Arnold Lanier is the current sheriff of Hardee County but was not running in Tuesday’s primary.
Hernando County
Current Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis was challenged in a universal primary on Tuesday. His opponent, James Terry, is a 20-year veteran of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.
Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister won the Republican primary on Tuesday, defeating former sheriff’s office detective Charles Boswell. Chronister was appointed sheriff by then-Gov. Rick Scott in 2017 when the previous sheriff retired. He was officially elected by voters in 2018.
Chronister will now face Democratic candidate Gary Pruitt and Ron McMullen, who is not affiliated with a party, in November.
Pinellas County
Two candidates ran in Tuesday night’s Democratic sheriff primary in Pinellas County, competing for the chance to run against Sheriff Bob Gualtieri in November’s general election.
Sarasota County
Two candidates ran to become Sarasota County sheriff in a universal primary on Tuesday. Tom Knight, who has served as sheriff since 2009, is not running for re-election this year.
8 On Your Side is Your Local Election Headquarters. We’ll have you covered with full primary coverage and results Tuesday night.