Former Tallahassee Mayor Scott Maddox, the Democratic candidate for commissioner of agriculture and consumer services, announced on Thursday that his campaign won the endorsement of the Florida International Union of Police Associations (IUPA).
“As law enforcement officers, our members are sworn to protect the public safety,” said Sam Cabral, international president of the union. “When you take office you will swear to protect the consumers of the state of Florida. Looking at Scott’s long record of service, we are convinced that he will serve Floridians with skill, determination, and commitment.
“As the son of a police officer and the nephew of another who was killed in the line of duty, we are confident that Scott Maddox will be sensitive to the needs of the more than 300 sworn law-enforcement officers in the commission, as well as all the other men and women who protect the people of Florida,” added Cabral.
“The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services plays a vital role in law enforcement and ensuring the safety of our citizens,” said Maddox. “I am honored to have the endorsement and support of IUPA and all of the outstanding law enforcement leaders who are supporting my candidacy, and will continue to work with them to protect Florida’s consumers.”
Maddox faces Republican candidate U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam in November. Putnam has won the backing of most of Florida’s sheriffs and the PBA, which has been hostile to Maddox since removing his father from its leadership years ago.