Orange sheriff candidate drops bid for position
Capt. Tom Stroup, a former Orange County SWAT commander, ended his brief campaign for sheriff Saturday, he announced in a Facebook post. Stroup, 60, was the only GOP candidate who had filed to run for sheriff in 2020, and faced challenges from Orlando Police Chief John Mina, a Democrat running without party affiliation, and Jose “Joe” Lopez, a Democrat.
In his post, Stroup said the decision came after prayer and discussion with his family.
“My wife and I are very involved and committed to several community volunteer programs in addition to our family commitments and do not currently have the required time to dedicate to an effective election campaign,” Stroup wrote. “I will however, continue to pursue other opportunities to serve my community in public service.”
He filed to run for the post in January and launched his campaign Feb. 21.
Candidates are filing to run for 2020, but it’s widely expected for the election to take place this year.
Sitting Sheriff Jerry Demings is in the midst of a campaign for Orange County mayor, and must formally resign as sheriff by June.
Then, a special primary and election will be scheduled to fill the remaining two years of his term, which ends in 2020.
Mina, Orlando’s top cop since 2014, must also submit a resignation at least 10 days before the qualifying deadline. However, if elected, he could serve as chief until he takes office as sheriff.
Lopez is a retired Florida Highway Patrol major, who oversaw 250 troopers.