ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A third Republican candidate has put in his bid to challenge St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick, who is running for reelection for his second term.
Retired St. Johns County Lt. Jim Priester announced his plans Tuesday to run for sheriff to address three needs that he said the sheriff’s office is currently lacking: transparency, integrity and fiscal responsibility.
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“I am not only concerned for the agency and the members of the Sheriff’s Office but for the future of St. Johns County,” Priester said. “I have never seen morale so low, and now it is impacting the safety of our residents. To me, that is simply unacceptable, and why I feel I have no other choice than to run for Sheriff.”
Priester has a 27-year career with the law enforcement agency.
“I am a career law enforcement officer, not a politician, and I will never seek any other office,” Priester said. “I’ve served this community in many roles, always with professionalism, treating people with dignity and respect. I am a dedicated public servant, ready to lead the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and protect the community we are all proud to call home.
Hardwick was elected in 2020 as the county’s first new sheriff in 16 years.
Lance Damron and Nathan Datsko, two other Republican candidates, also filed to run against Hardwick.