Janelle Irwin Taylor
Republican Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister is throwing his weight behind Ryan Gill in his bid for House District 68.
“Ryan Gill and his family are pillars of our East Hillsborough community. Their service to their community and commitment to protecting Florida’s farmers and ranchers have helped make Hillsborough County a better place,” Chronister said.
“I know Ryan will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with law enforcement to keep our community safe and give the brave men and women in law enforcement the tools and resources they need to get the job done.”
Gill, a fellow Republican and a local cattle rancher, is running to succeed Republican Rep. Lawrence McClure in the east Hillsborough seat. Gill is so far the only candidate filed for the race. McClure cannot seek re-election due to term limits and has endorsed Gill as his preferred successor.
“Sheriff Chronister and the men and women of the Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office are the foundation upon which Hillsborough County’s success is built. Our gratitude for their dedication and courage extends beyond any words that would accurately convey our thanks. I’m so honored to call Sheriff Chronister a friend, and now, a supporter of our campaign,” Gill said.
Reps. Danny Alvarez and Mike Owen also previously offered their support.
Gill is a cattle rancher who was born and raised in east Hillsborough. His family has cultivated the same land for more than 120 years. He and his wife of 18 years, Kaylie Gill, and their four children — Eli, Ella, Cuttler and Emma Grace — are keeping the agricultural legacy going by managing the family farming and ranching operations.
HD 68 covers a swath of northeastern Hillsborough County, including Plant City. The district is heavily Republican, with an electorate that’s 43% Republican and 27% Democrat, with the remainder composed of third- and no-party voters, according to the most recent L2 voter data.
McClure easily won re-election in the district in the only two contests since reapportionment. Last year, he defeated Democratic nominee Lisa Carpus 63%-34%. In 2022, he defeated Democratic nominee Lorissa Wright 68%-32%.
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Drew Wilson of Florida Politics contributed to this report.
