Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister finds himself at No. 3 on the list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians, a slight drop from No. 2 last year after overcoming several agency scandals.

It’s not surprising that Chronister again finds himself among the top power brokers in Tampa Bay area politics. While he was the runner-up last year, Chronister topped the list the year prior, and has consistently found himself on the list, often among the Top 5.

That he continues to be seen as a top elected leader in the region is a particular testament to Chronister this year though, after several members of his staff, including Chief Deputy Anthony Collins, were embroiled in an academic cheating scandal.

The scandal began in mid-2024, when Collins’ wife emailed the Sheriff’s Office saying her husband had paid someone to help him complete coursework in the FBI National Academy. She even provided screenshots of email correspondence proving the cheating. Collins resigned amid the allegations.

Five others ranging in rank from Colonel to Captain were also caught up in the scandal, all of whom were either fired or quit.

While Chronister himself was not involved, the widespread scandal left a stain on his Office.

And Chronister’s agency trouble wasn’t over. Just this month, a member of Chronister’s command staff, Troy Morgan, was dismissed after he was found to be under the influence of alcohol while on duty. It was an ironic charge considering Morgan had once earned the Florida Deputy of the Year by Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

His firing came just two months after Chronister promoted Morgan to the rank of Major. In another stroke of irony, in his new role, Morgan commanded the agency’s Traffic Services Division, including overseeing DUI investigation deputies.

But Chronister was believed to have handled both scandals promptly and with professionalism, earning respect for ensuring accountability within his agency.

But perhaps Chronister’s greatest source of influence comes by way of his ability to raise cash, and a lot of it. As of the end of March, Chronister had nearly $1.8 million on hand in his affiliated political committee, Friends of Chad Chronister. He’s not up for re-election again until 2028. He won re-election in 2024 without opposition.

Chronister, a Republican, also has earned bipartisan respect and support. Late last year, for example, Chronister attended the campaign kickoff for Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen, a Democrat, where he posed for a photo shoulder-to-shoulder with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, also a Democrat. Castor and Chronister have long been allies, at least to some degree, despite their differences in political affiliation.

“Sheriff Chad Chronister is someone who genuinely cares about the people he serves. You can see it in how he shows up, how he listens, and how he leads. He brings a sense of responsibility and heart to his role. Our community is stronger because of his leadership,” said Sally Dee, founder of Playbook Public Relations.

Chronister’s staying power was on full display in 2024, when President Donald Trump tapped Chronister to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration. Trump said Chronister would work directly with then-Attorney General Pam Bondi “to secure the Border, stop the flow of Fentanyl and other Illegal Drugs across the Southern Border, and SAVE LIVES.”

At the time, Chronister said the appointment was “the honor of a lifetime.” But Chronister ultimately declined the post.

While Chronister said he was the one to bow out, Trump at the time blamed what Chronister “said to my pastors and other supporters,” an apparent reference to criticism Chronister faced from conservatives regarding his handling of the COVID pandemic.

Chronister, often seen as a moderating voice in conservative politics in Hillsborough County, announced the arrest of Dr. Rodney Howard-Browne, pastor of The River at Tampa Bay Church, for conducting a service during the height of social distancing policies during the early stages of the pandemic. The charges ultimately were dropped, but it didn’t stop some Republicans from viewing the issue as disqualifying, including U.S. Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Chip Roy of Texas.

Politically, as with the more recent agency scandals, Chronister was unscathed.

And while some on either side of the political aisle view Chronister’s ability to buck partisanship as a liability, others find it refreshing, and it’s likely one of the reasons Chronister continues to dominate local politics.

Chronister’s rise has been almost meteoric, beginning on this list near the bottom, at No. 23, but climbing steadily since: to No. 16, then No. 9 and No. 7, before cracking the Top 5 in 2023 and staying there.

Chronister was first appointed in 2017 by then-Gov. Rick Scott.

Now nearly a decade into his tenure, crime in Hillsborough County, as of 2024, is down 15%. Throughout his service, Chronister has prioritized mental health treatment for inmates at the county jail, and he has implemented vocational programming so inmates have a better chance of success upon reentry. Gainful employment post-incarceration has been proven to reduce recidivism, making Chronister’s work not only compassionate, but pragmatic.

“It is no mystery why Hillsborough County crime rates continue to drop every year. This endeavor alone has been historic, but Sheriff Chronister’s work extends far beyond that. Few people face the difficult decisions, organize the responses to serious situations, or lead an organization as efficiently as our Sheriff,” said Jeff Johnston, President and Partner of Johnston & Stewart Government Strategies. This man is tireless in his efforts every single day, maintains his composure under stress, and remains one of the most effective leaders and well-respected people you will ever meet. He is the utmost example of what leadership should look like. We are consistently proud to represent his office, but we are honored to call him our friend.”

Chonister’s his work hasn’t stopped at reducing crime.

In late 2024, Chronister launched Operation Safe Passage, a new initiative aimed at preventing speeding in school zones and keeping kids safe by utilizing camera technology. The program was possible through state legislation creating a regulatory framework for camera operators, similar to red light cameras.

Without term limits in Hillsborough constitutional offices, Chronister’s time in office could carry on indefinitely, especially considering his success at the ballot box.

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As for methodology, the Tampa Bay region is defined as Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties, with Hernando, Polk and Sarasota included when their elected officials impact Pinellas or Hillsborough.

A politician is defined as someone currently in office or actively running for office.

Panelists ranked their Top 25, with a first-place vote earning 25 points, second place earning 24, and so on down to 1 point for 25th. Those totals were combined to produce the final list.

We also want to thank our experienced and knowledgeable panelists, who were essential to developing the 2026 list: Vinik Family Office Chief of Staff Christina Barker; former St. Petersburg City Council member Robert Blackmon; Mercury Public Affairs Managing Director Ashley Bauman; Michael Corcoran and Matt Blair of Corcoran Partners; former Sen. Jeff Brandes; Stephanie Cardozo of The Southern Group; Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick managing partner Ron Christaldi; political consultant/strategist Barry Edwards; Vicidial Group President Matt Florell; Sunrise Consulting Group President Shawn Foster; businessman Michael Griffin; St. Pete Catalyst Publisher Joe Hamilton; Clay Hollis of Tucker/Hall; Natalie King of RSA Consulting Group; Moffitt Cancer Center VP of Public Affairs and Communications Merritt Martin; political consultant Chris Mitchell; Mike Moore of The Southern Group; RSA President and CEO Ron Pierce; Tucker/Hall CEO Darren Richards; political consultant Jim Rimes; political consultant Preston Rudie of Catalyst Communications Group; TECO Vice President of State and Regional Affairs Stephanie Smith; lobbyist Alan Suskey of Shumaker Advisors; and Michelle and Peter Schorsch, publishers of Florida Politics.