Chris Nocco won Florida Senate District 21, defeating Democrat Jordan Hensley in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Nocco, a Republican and former Pasco County sheriff, will represent a district spanning parts of Pasco and Pinellas counties.


The latest results listed by Florida Election Watch as of 12:20 p.m. EST Nov. 4 show Nocco with 129,015 votes, or 57.7%, and Hensley with 94,570 votes, or 42.3%. The totals sum to 223,585 votes. Florida Election Watch labels the results unofficial; the totals remain subject to canvassing and certification. The state results page does not show a precinct-reporting percentage in its summary.


The seat became open after Republican Sen. Ed Hooper announced he would leave the Legislature. Nocco will serve the remainder of Hooper’s term and must run again in 2028.


During the campaign, Nocco said voters raised affordability, mental health and permitting as concerns, Tampa Bay 28 reported. He said he wanted to bring his law enforcement experience to the Legislature while addressing issues beyond public safety.


Nocco was appointed Pasco County sheriff in 2011 and first elected in 2012. Before that, he worked in law enforcement in Philadelphia, Virginia and Broward County and held state government roles, including staff director in the Florida House and chief of staff for the Florida Highway Patrol, according to Tampa Bay 28.


Hensley, a Port Richey resident, was making his first run for public office. He worked in the Tampa Bay restaurant and hospitality industry and campaigned on affordability, housing costs, wages and public schools, Tampa Bay 28 reported.


Sources: Florida Election Watch — https://floridaelectionwatch.gov/ContestResultsByCounty/240210 ; Tampa Bay 28 — https://www.tampabay28.com/news/region-pinellas/chris-nocco-wins-florida-senate-district-21-race-ending-15-year-run-as-pasco-sheriff