Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony is close to winning his first election and fending off a bruising challenge from his predecessor Scott Israel, who tried to paint him as a liar with a sketchy past.
Tony, 41, led former Sheriff Scott Israel by about 4,000 votes as of 10 p.m. in the Democratic primary with 567 of 577 precincts reporting. Four other candidates rounded out the crowded contest that turned nasty as the frontrunners jostled for the lead.
“I am deeply honored that Democratic voters have chosen me to lead the Broward Sheriff’s Office into a brighter, safer future,” Tony said in a prepared statement. “We’ve come a long way in the last 18 months, but there is still much work to be done. Together, we’re reforming the Sheriff’s Office, promoting good deputies and keeping our communities safer by embracing police reform.”
Israel, 64, had not conceded defeat.
DECISION 2020: Gregory Tony narrowly defeats Scott Israel in race for Broward sheriff https://t.co/izVyOw7yNt
— NBC 6 South Florida (@nbc6) August 19, 2020
#DEVELOPING: Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony has declared victory in Tuesday's primary. With 567 out of 577 precincts reporting in, Tony was leading his predecessor, Scott Israel, by over 4,100 votes. Israel has yet to concede. https://t.co/AiK02jPv5p
— CBS News Miami (@CBSMiami) August 19, 2020
