Sumter County Sheriff Patrick “Pat” Breeden announced on April 8 his endorsement of Byron Donalds for Florida governor, joining the majority of sheriffs in the state who have given their support to Donalds.
Breeden said that supporting law enforcement and ensuring community safety are key reasons behind his endorsement. “Byron Donalds understands being a law-and-order state means giving our officers the resources, training, and backing they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. It means enforcing our laws, holding criminals accountable, and making it clear that there are consequences for those who threaten our communities. I’m proud to support Byron because he will lead with accountability, stand firmly behind the men and women who put on the badge every day, and ensure Florida remains a place where families feel safe, businesses can thrive, and our communities continue to grow strong,” Breeden said.
Donalds has received several high-profile endorsements in addition to those from most Florida sheriffs. These include endorsements from President Trump, Elon Musk, 17 members of Florida’s Congressional delegation, U.S. House leadership, three-quarters of the Republican caucus in the Florida House, as well as other national conservative figures.
According to campaign information released by supporters of Donalds’ candidacy for governor in 2026, he raised $22 million during the first quarter of this year—an amount described as a record—and is currently leading both Republican and Democratic opponents in fundraising.
