Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly announced 10 endorsements on Thursday for races on the ballot for the county’s voters in November. His picks included federal, state, county, and city races.
Where the races are partisan elections, Staly chose solely Republican candidates. He opted to weigh in on one of two nonpartisan Palm Coast City Council races, choosing Tony Amaral Jr. over Jeani Duarte. He abstained from the other race, between Dylana ‘Dee’ Galery and Darlene Shelley.
Both of Flagler’s two County Commission elections have a Republican on the ballot but neither race has a Democrat. Incumbent Leann Pennington faces the write-in candidacy of Denise ‘Woody’ Calderwood, while Theresa Pontieri is going against Independent candidate Raymond Royer. Staly opted for Pennington and Pontieri.
At the federal level, Staly chose to endorse Congressman Randy Fine alongside four other sheriffs in Florida’s 6th congressional district. Fine had all six sheriffs until Volusia County’s Mike Chitwood rescinded his endorsement in April over Fine’s Islamophobic comments.
Fine falsely claimed this year that Staly endorsed him during the Republican primary cycle. Staly made clear that he would not issue an endorsement while Palm Coast City Councilman Charles Gambaro waged a primary challenge against Fine, as Gambaro votes on the city’s Flagler County Sheriff’s Office contract. The Fine campaign doubled down on their false claim after Staly clarified he only ever endorsed Fine in the 2025 special election to that point. Now, Staly is backing Fine in the general election against Democrat Eric Yonce.
Also at the federal level, Staly is endorsing incumbent Senator Ashley Moody over her Democratic opponent Angie Nixon. In statewide races, Staly is backing Byron Donalds for Florida governor, Wilton Simpson for Agriculture Commissioner, James Uthmeier for Attorney General, Blaise Ingoglia for Chief Financial Officer, and Sam Greco for Florida House of Representatives. All except Donalds are incumbents.
Rick Staly’s Full Endorsements with Comments
- U.S. Senate: Ashley Moody over Angie Nixon
- “Senator Moody was a strong voice and friend of law enforcement while she was Florida Attorney General. Since becoming a U.S. Senator, she has been a strong supporter of law enforcement on the national level.”
- U.S. House, FL-6: Congressman Randy Fine over Eric Yonce
- “Congressman Fine has delivered millions of dollars to Flagler County and Palm Coast and has been a strong advocate for law enforcement on the national level.”
- Florida Governor: Byron Donalds over David Jolly
- “Congressman Donalds has been a strong supporter of law enforcement and has committed to keeping the ‘Free State of Florida’ safe for its residents through strong law enforcement. I’m proud to join many of my fellow Sheriffs in supporting Bryon Donalds to be our next Governor.”
- Florida Commissioner of Agriculture: Wilton Simpson over Joey Atkins
- “Commissioner Simpson has been a strong advocate and supporter of law enforcement and our state agriculture and consumer services. I am proud to once again support and endorse Wilton Simpson for Agriculture Commissioner.”
- Florida Attorney General: James Uthmeier over José Javier Rodriguez
- “Attorney General Uthmeier has been a staunch supporter of law enforcement and protecting our citizens. His statewide prosecution efforts have sent criminals to prison that prey on communities throughout Florida. Let’s keep General Uthmeier Florida’s Attorney General.”
- Florida Chief Financial Officer: Blaise Ingoglia over Annette Taddeo
- “CFO Blaise Ingoglia has kept Florida financially strong and also serves as the Chief Fire Marshal for the state. He is a strong supporter of public safety and a friend to law enforcement.”
- Florida House of Representative, 19th district: Sam Greco over Suzanna Pavelle
- “Representative Sam Greco has been a strong supporter of Flagler County and public safety. He has delivered millions of state grants to Flagler County and passed laws that help us stop criminals from preying on our community. Please join me in re-electing Representative Greco.”
- Flagler County Commission, District 2: Theresa Pontieri over Raymond Royer
- “Through the leadership of Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri, the City of Palm Coast is one of the safest places to live in Florida and all of America. Each year she has consistently supported our deputies who protect you by making sure we have what we need to do the job. She will be an influential leader and strong voice for public safety on the Flagler County Commission. Please join me in casting your vote for Theresa Pontieri for Flagler County Commission.”
- Flagler County Commission, District 4: Leann Pennington over Denise ‘Woody’ Calderwood
- “Commissioner Pennington is a champion for law enforcement and public safety. We work closely with her to ensure we have the deputies and resources we need to protect and serve our community. Those of us who wear the badge and protect our community can always count on her strong support to keep Flagler County safe for our families. Leann has fought to bring millions of dollars from Tallahassee to Flagler County. I ask you to please join me in voting for and keeping Leann Pennington on our County Commission.”
- Palm Coast City Council, District 2: Tony Amaral, Jr. over Jeani Duarte
- “Tony Amaral will be an outstanding advocate for law enforcement and public safety on the City Council of Palm Coast. He definitely understands that keeping Palm Coast a safe place to live, work, and retire is key to our future. I have known and worked with him for years and he will do an excellent job on the Palm Coast City Council.”
Darlene Shelley for Palm Coast City Council is the only Republican Candidate for District 4. Darlene has a proven track record of promoting public health, seeking compatible and well managed growth, advocating for citizens’ rights, and protecting the environment. Darlene is a life-long advocate for Rule of Law and public safety. She loves her Country, her city, and her family and is working hard to be the voice for local residents, demand transparency, and find solutions to a more sustainable future. We simply cannot allow another developer, builder, land manager or other special interest candidate on city council to continue the Growth at Any Cost residential overdevelopment while placing the cost of infrastructure squarely upon the residents. Palm Coast needs fiscally responsible leaders, good paying careers, protection for our wildlife and ecosystems, and diversification of our tax base, NOT more residential density and intensity.