Chad Chronister (born February 2, 1964) is an American law enforcement officer and politician who has served as the sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida since 2017. In November 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Chronister as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration.[1]
Chad Chronister | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 2017 | |
| Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration Presumptive nominee | |
| Assuming office TBD | |
| President | Donald Trump (elect) |
| Succeeding | Anne Milgram |
| 30th Sheriff of Hillsborough County | |
| Assumed office September 30, 2017 | |
| Appointed by | Rick Scott |
| Preceded by | David Gee |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 24, 1968 |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Nikki DeBartolo |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupation |
|
| Police career | |
| Allegiance |  Hillsborough County |
| Department | Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office |
| Service years | 1992–present |
| Rank |  Sheriff |
Early life and education
editChronister graduated from Saint Leo University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice and a Master of Science in criminology. He later graduated from the 260th session of the FBI National Academy.[1]
Career
edit
Chronister has served in the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office since 1992, beginning his career as a patrol deputy and SWAT operator. He then served as a detective for several units, including environmental enforcement, warrants, narcotics, and intelligence. Chronister was a supervisor in the Warrants, Narcotics, Intelligence, and Dignitary Protection Detail. He then became deputy commander of the Community Outreach Division, and later the colonel of the Department of Operation Support.[2]
In 2017, Chronister was appointed sheriff after the unexpected retirement of his predecessor, David Gee, who recommended him.[3] As sheriff, he is the co-chairman of the Regional Domestic Security Task Force for Region IV Tampa Bay; vice-chairman, Hillsborough County Public Safety Coordinating Council; and vice-chairman, Hillsborough County Public Schools Oversight Committee.[2] Chronister won elections for sheriff in 2018 and 2020 and was unopposed in 2024.[3]
Elections
edit| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Chad Chronister (inc.) | 0 | 100% | ||
| Democratic | N/A | 0 | 0% | ||
| Republican hold | |||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Chad Chronister (inc.) | 380,977 | 54.80% | ||
| Democratic | Gary Pruitt | 249,382 | 35.87% | ||
| No Party Affiliation (NPA) | Ron McMullen | 64,850 | 9.33% | ||
| Republican hold | |||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Chad Chronister (inc.) | 280,849 | 54.82% | ||
| Democratic | Gary Pruitt | 231,418 | 45.18% | ||
| Republican hold | |||||
Personal life
editIn 2010, Chronister married Nicole "Nikki" DeBartolo, the daughter of San Francisco 49ers former owner Edward J. DeBartolo Jr.[3] In 2017, Chronister's son, George, was arrested for stabbing another man in the face. In 2018, he was sentenced to 22 months in prison and 3 years probation to follow his release.[7][8][9] In April 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis reassigned a state attorney to resolve a conflict of interest in executing duties related to a motion to terminate the probation.[10]
References
edit- ^ a b "Trump picks Florida sheriff Chad Chronister for DEA administrator". ABC News. 2024-11-30. Retrieved 2024-12-01.
- ^ a b "Sheriff Chad Chronister". Florida Sheriff Association. Retrieved 2024-11-30.
- ^ a b c Tisch, Chris (2024-12-01). "Trump nominates Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister as DEA administrator". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved 2024-12-02.
- ^ "Local candidates". Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections. 2024-08-20. Retrieved 2024-12-02.
- ^ "2020 Election Results". Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections. 2020-11-13. Retrieved 2024-12-01.
- ^ "2018 Election Results". Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections. 2019-06-05. Retrieved 2024-11-30.
- ^ "Hillsborough sheriff's son sentenced to 22 months in state prison". WTVT. 2018-11-14. Retrieved 2024-12-01.
- ^ "George Chronister sentenced to 22 months in prison in slashing case". WTSP News. 2018-11-14. Retrieved 2024-12-01.
- ^ "Hillsborough Co. sheriff's son sentenced to 22 months in prison". WFLA News. 2018-11-14. Retrieved 2024-12-01.
- ^ "Executive Order Number 22-91" (PDF). Executive Office of the Governor of Florida. 2022-04-07. Retrieved 2024-12-01.