HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister announced Tuesday evening via social media that he is withdrawing his nomination to serve as the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The decision comes weeks after President-elect Donald Trump nominated Chronister for the federal position.
“To have been nominated by President-Elect @realDonaldTrump to serve as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is the honor of a lifetime. Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, I’ve concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration. There is more work to be done for the citizens of Hillsborough County and a lot of initiatives I am committed to fulfilling. I sincerely appreciate the nomination, outpouring of support by the American people, and look forward to continuing my service as Sheriff of Hillsborough County,” said Chronister.
RELATED: Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Nominated As DEA Head, Gains Widespread Support
Chronister, who has served as Hillsborough County Sheriff since 2017, was lauded for his leadership in combating drug-related crime and human trafficking. His nomination had drawn praise from law enforcement leaders across Florida.
The withdrawal leaves the Trump administration seeking a new candidate for the DEA role as it prepares to tackle national and international drug trafficking challenges. Chronister’s decision allows him to maintain his focus on local law enforcement efforts in Hillsborough County.
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