This browser does not support the Video element.
Osceola Sheriff Debate: Marcos Lopez v. Donnie Martinez
Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez and challenge Donnie Martinez met at FOX 35 on Thursday to share their vision for the future Osceola County Sheriff's Office. Marcos, the current sheriff, and Martinez discussed their experience, their vision for law enforcement, crime states, recruiting, and law enforcement training. FOX 35's John Brown and LuAnne Sorrel moderated the debate.
ORLANDO, Fla. - Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez has been reelected as sheriff, defeating Republican challenger Donnie Martinez in the 2024 election.
Lopez joined the Osceola County Sheriff's Office in 2003, and was elected sheriff in 2021, becoming the first Hispanic sheriff in the county and the state of Florida, according to his online bio.
He was challenged by Republican candidate Donnie Martinez, an Osceola County businessman with no law enforcement experience, who believed the sheriff's office needed new leadership and a new vision.
MORE STORIES:
- Kamala Harris concedes 2024 election to Donald Trump: 'We must accept the results'
- Full Speech: Trump speaks to supporters at election watch party
- Here's how Orlando area counties voted in the 2024 presidential election
- Kangaroo missing for weeks in Volusia County found safe, owner cited for 'improper caging': FWC
- How Elon Musk could shape Donald Trump's next four years as president
- Kitten nearly drowns after being stuffed in bag, tossed in canal
As of Wednesday morning, Lopez secured 58% of the vote, beating Martinez by about 25,000 votes.
"We fought a good fight. This wasn't easy. You know there's always a lot of controversy in politics, it doesn't matter who you are, especially in the law enforcement field in this day and age", Sheriff Lopez said.
Late Tuesday night, Martinez posted a video montage on his Facebook page: "Thank you for your support."
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO:
- Download the FOX 35 News app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines
- Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar
- Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines
- FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV