The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) is endorsing Attorney General James Uthmeier in his bid to earn a full term in the post.
The organization representing Florida’s 67 Sheriffs came out in favor of Uthmeier this week. Uthmeier faces no competition in the Aug. 18 Republican Primary and advances directly to the Nov. 3 General Election against Democrat José Javier Rodríguez, who also has no Primary opponent.
While he is the incumbent, Uthmeier has never been formally elected to public office. He was previously the Chief of Staff for Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Uthmeier was appointed to the Attorney General position by DeSantis in early 2025, after his predecessor, Ashley Moody, was tapped to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Marco Rubio. President Donald Trump selected Rubio to serve as U.S. Secretary of State.
Newly elected FSA President Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said Sheriffs sense they have an advocate in Uthmeier.
“He has stepped up to the plate and the role he prosecutes where it needs to be. He stands behind his sheriffs. He stands behind law enforcement. He believes in putting the bad guys in jail and holding them accountable,” Woods said.
“Although it’s been a short period of time, he and I have become friends. I’ve come to greatly respect him, and I’m here to tell you what makes the state of Florida successful in our judicial system is the partnerships in which we have.”
Since being appointed, Uthmeier has maintained a high profile as the state’s top law enforcement officer.
He has held regular news conferences across the state detailing civil and criminal investigations, such as looking into the role artificial intelligence played in the mass shooting at Florida State University in 2025. And he has held several joint announcements with law enforcement agencies on drug trafficking interdiction and child predator operations, among other investigations.
Rodríguez is also experienced with high-level politics. He has served in both the Florida Senate and Florida House in seats representing South Florida. Rodríguez was also the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training in President Joe Biden’s administration from 2024 to 2025.
