Sheriff Faces Restaurant Worker In Senate Race

Jordan Hensley mixes drinks at a rooftop bar overlooking the Gulf while running for the Florida Senate.

The Democrat, who works at the Fenway Hotel in Clearwater, is challenging Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco for the District 21 seat. The district covers parts of northern Pinellas County and southwest Pasco County.

Nocco has led the Pasco County Sheriff's Office since 2011, when then-Gov. Rick Scott appointed him to the post. He has held the office for 15 years. During that time, the agency's budget grew to about $174.5 million. Nocco is leaving the sheriff's office to enter the Senate race. The seat is currently held by Sen. Ed Hooper, a Republican who is retiring with two years remaining in the term.

Nocco has worked for Marco Rubio during Rubio's time in the Florida House. President Donald Trump appointed him to the Homeland Security Advisory Council in 2020. He also has the backing of Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Nocco plans to remain sheriff through the November midterm elections. DeSantis will then appoint a successor. Voters will choose a sheriff in 2028.

"In two years, in 2028, they get the decision," Nocco said. "The good thing is they get a test run. The governor is going to appoint somebody. If after two years you don't think the person is doing a good job, vote them out. It's that easy."

Hensley said he entered the race after no Democrat stepped forward to challenge Nocco. "If no one ran against him, he didn't have to do anything. Didn't have to campaign, didn't have to spend a dollar, really. He just got the job just by signing up," Hensley said. "And that didn't sit right with me." He acknowledged the financial gap between the campaigns. Records show Nocco had raised more than $260,000, while Hensley said he had raised about $10,000. "I work paycheck to paycheck. My wife and I are facing a lot of the same struggles that a lot of the people in Florida are right now," Hensley said.

Hensley continues to work at the Fenway Hotel while campaigning. He has never attended a political rally or meeting, he said, because they happen while he is at work. Co-worker Andrew Karz said of the campaign: "America started as an underdog story. It's built on underdog stories, and he's just another one." Nocco said his Senate run offers a chance to work on issues beyond public safety. "I'm actually excited to be part of that process that can implement good changes," Nocco said. "And honestly, I'll always be in law enforcement." Election Day is set for November 3.