BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony appears poised for reelection, but his challenger, Charles Edward Whatley, isn’t backing down.
Despite repeated requests, Tony’s campaign team confirmed that the sheriff will not participate in any debates or public discussions ahead of the election.
Tony, a Democrat first appointed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2019 and elected in 2020, is considered the frontrunner, bolstered by his strong fundraising efforts.
His campaign highlights his work in enhancing training for first responders, particularly in collaboration with the Public Safety Commission formed after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.
Whatley, a Marine Corps veteran with nearly three decades of law enforcement experience, accuses Tony of prioritizing his own interests and mishandling the office. He’s running as a no-party affiliation candidate.
“That demonstrates once again — his character,” Whatley said, criticizing Tony for what he perceives as self-serving leadership. “Part of the people.”
Tony’s time in office has been clouded by controversies. He has repeatedly faced questions about undisclosed details from his past, including a fatal shooting he was involved in at age 14. While the case was deemed self-defense, Tony’s failure to disclose it on job applications has been a focal point of criticism.
“There was no crime. There was no arrest, and this was considered a self-defense case as it should have been,” Tony said in defense of the incident.
A state hearing found that Tony lacked “good moral character” due to his repeated omissions, further fueling scrutiny. Additionally, Tony has clashed with Broward commissioners over budgeting issues, particularly related to 911 operators, with tensions boiling over in public meetings.
Publications such as the Sun Sentinel have chosen not to endorse either candidate for Broward sheriff, describing both as “underqualified.”
Whatley continues to push his campaign, insisting he can bring the changes Broward County needs. His platform emphasizes getting more deputies on the streets and reducing what he sees as unnecessary spending under Tony’s leadership.
“The number one priority is to get boots on the ground,” Whatley said. “Make it competitive.”
He also stressed the importance of accountability.
“We all have to answer to somebody,” he added. “And I don’t want to be defending myself — well, I wanted more power, well, I wanted more money. I’d rather hear, Well done my good and faithful servant.’ That’s how I am. That’s my character.”
As of Monday, no debates have been scheduled between the two candidates, and with the election approaching, every effort, big or small, could make a difference.