The two major police unions in Leon County have endorsed a slate of candidates for the 2024 local elections.
The Big Bend Police Benevolent Association, which represents FSU, FAMU, Quincy and Tallahassee Police Department officers, has endorsed incumbent Tallahassee City Commissioner Curtis Richardson against challenger Dot Iman-Johnson and Pastor Rudy Ferguson against incumbent Commissioner Jack Porter.
Richard Murphy, President of the Big Bend PBA, says his group believes Richardson has been an ally to law enforcement, while Porter has not.
“Commissioner Porter has twice voted against our collective bargaining contract. She appointed an anti-law enforcement candidate, in my opinion to the civilian review board. And has always supported Commissioner Matlow and the progressives and when they speak out about law enforcement,” he said.
The Leon County PBA, which represents members of the Sheriff’s office, has endorsed incumbent County Commissioners Brian Welch, and Carolyn Cummings. They will be announcing their endorsements for other County Commission seats in coming weeks.
The two PBA’s also weighed in on state legislative races, backing incumbent lawmakers Representative Alison Tant and Senator Corey Simon.
The local candidates will be on the ballot during the August 20th primary. The races for the state lawmakers will be decided during the November 5th general election.