Rick Wells latest Sheriff to endorse Vern Buchanan for re-election

Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells is throwing his support behind U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan’s re-election campaign.

“Congressman Vern Buchanan is a fierce defender of local law enforcement and a fighter for the people of Manatee County,” Wells said. “I fully endorse his re-election campaign and look forward to working with him in the years ahead to keep our community safe.”

Wells, a Republican, came days after Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister also endorsed the incumbent. That means every Sheriff protecting Florida’s 16th Congressional District has now lined up behind Buchanan.

That comes as Buchanan faces a self-financed Republican Primary challenge this year from Inspiration Academy founder Eddie Speir. The Bradenton Republican qualified for the ballot this week, as did Democrat Jan Schneider.

Wells previously supported Buchanan in 2022, when he easily fended off a GOP challenge from Sarasota conservative activist Martin Hyde.

This year, Buchanan, the wealthiest U.S. Representative in Florida, has maintained a solid fundraising advantage over Speir. In the first quarter of 2024, the incumbent outraised his challenger 17-to-1.

St. Pete Polls also recently polled the race and found Buchanan trouncing Speir among likely Republican Primary voters in the district. The survey put Buchanan at 64% support, with Speir capturing just 13% support and 23% of voters undecided. Among voters older than 70, Buchanan leads 79% to 8%.

While Manatee County voters in recent years have shown a willingness to toss incumbents, that doesn’t appear to be the case here, with Buchanan quickly shoring up political support from all wings of the Republican Party in the region.

Most likely, the August GOP Primary will determine who represents CD 16 in the next Congress. Almost 54% of voters in the district supported Republican Donald Trump in the 2020 Presidential Election.

Buchanan in 2022 defeated Hyde in a GOP Primary with more than 86% of the vote, and went on to beat Schneider with more than 62% support in the General Election.