Citrus County sheriff ousted in primary election
CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. - Incumbent Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast was defeated in his re-election campaign by David Vincent in the Florida primary election.
2024 primary election: County-by-county results
Vincent defeated Prendergast, who had been the sheriff in Citrus County for eight years, capturing 63% of votes (24,785) to Prendergast's 33% (14,336).
"By not having opponents in the Democrat or Independents, obviously, everybody turned out to vote," Citrus County Republican Executive Committee Chairman Mike Moberley said. "We had 33.87% turnout, which is, in a primary election, is a healthy turnout."
Citrus County political leaders said the voter turnout spoke volumes about the dynamic of this race.
"It's obvious the choice of the voters demonstrated they weren't happy with his performance, of the incumbent, and I think that speaks volumes," Moberley said.
Prendergast was elected as sheriff in November 2016, becoming Citrus County's 12th sheriff. He previously served as the executive director of the Florida Department of Veteran's Affairs under former Gov. Rick Scott.
David Vincent served on the Citrus County Sheriff's Office for over 25 years before leaving in 2020 to lead the Citrus County School Board Police Department as police chief.
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"We needed a different direction in our future of our law enforcement, in our relationships, in our community," Vincent said.
He ran a campaign centered on transparency, community partnership, and professional standards, according to his campaign website.
Several key issues rose to the forefront of this election, including the recovery of one deputy who suffered life-altering injuries on the job. One of the issues that drew concern from voters was around budget debacles between the sheriff’s office and county commission.
"I don't think there's anyone out there that says that we don't need to grow with the growth that we're seeing here in our community, but we've got to do with it what we can afford to do," Vincent said.
Voters also voiced concerns about the handling of Deputy Andy Lahera’s recovery from serious injuries he sustained while on the job in May 2023. Lahera, a school resource officer, was hit by a car while working a graduation.
Prendergast faced heavy criticism over how the future of Lahera’s employment would be handled. Lahera’s family has previously said they’ve been left questioning the future of his employment and health care security.
"I just would like to say under my leadership, I think that would have looked a little bit different," Vincent said.
Republican leaders said these issues rallied powerful support on social media.
"It resonated loud and clear this particular cycle," Moberley said. "I don't know that I've ever seen social media play such an important role in an election as this particular one."
In May, about a year after Lahera was hit, Prendergast talked about the controversy over the future of Lahera’s employment.
"There’s not a single person who doesn’t love Andy as a brother and care about him very deeply, and want what’s best for Andy," Prendergast said.
Lahera’s wife, Michelle Lahera, has been fighting to make sure her husband’s health insurance and care isn’t in jeopardy, while it’s still unclear if and when he’ll be able to come back to work.
"If he’s fighting to come back, whatever that may look like, I don’t care," Michelle Lahera said. "He’s got to be taken care of. He’s got to be taken care of if something, aside from the accident comes up, because in reality, we don’t know."
Michelle Lahera shared a statement in response to Tuesday’s primary election results:
"Our family is beyond thankful for the continuous support our community has shown, and everyone who voted like Andy's life depends on it. There are no words that can sufficiently describe our immense appreciation. Andy's journey is far from over, and we are still asking for everyone's prayers for his full recovery."
FOX 13 reached out to Prendergast about the election results, and is waiting to hear back.