MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods won his race for the sheriff’s seat against challenger Milton Busby on Tuesday night during the Florida Statewide Primary.
This election was for party primaries for federal and state offices, though some elected county positions are also partisan elections, too, like for sheriff or elections supervisor. There were also be nonpartisan elections for county offices and judgeships.
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This year, two Republican candidates ran in a universal primary for the position of Marion County sheriff: incumbent Billy Woods and challenger Milton Simmons Busby, Jr.
After the polls closed, though, Woods walked away with over 75% of the votes, meaning he’ll get to keep his seat as sheriff.
Marion County is a majority-Republican area, with 68,499 registered Democrat voters; 129,020 registered Republican voters; and 60,208 registered voters either belonging to a third party or who are unaffiliated, according to the county’s supervisor of elections.
Votes
%
Billy Woods*(R)
Milton Simmons Busby Jr.(R)
(106 / 106)
Here’s what to know about both candidates who were up for the sheriff’s seat this year.
BILLY WOODS - Sheriff’s Website
Woods is the incumbent in this year’s race, having served as sheriff since first taking office in 2017.
Before being elected as sheriff, Woods served in the Ocala Police Department for 26 years, eventually retiring as a Lieutenant. As an officer, he earned the OPD’s Medal of Valor and Medal of Distinction. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and Business Management.
During his time as sheriff, Woods has introduced a crime-fighting initiative in the Marion County school district. This includes bringing firearm-detection police canines into schools to conduct random searches, as well as extracurricular events to warn against the dangers of gun violence.
In addition, Woods is the president of Florida’s Sheriff’s Deputy Association, treasurer of the Florida Sheriff’s Association, and a board member of the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch. He also acts as the vice president of the Emergency Communications Board after his initial appointment to the board by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
He ran unopposed during the previous election in 2020, making this the first time he’s faced a challenger since assuming his role.
Woods’ campaign team told News 6 that he doesn’t have a campaign website for this race.
MILTON BUSBY - Campaign Website
Busby is the challenger in this year’s race, though he has 32-year-long history serving in both law enforcement and the military.
According to his campaign website, Busby is a retired military police colonel and served as a state trooper. He also holds a PhD in education.
Busby’s campaign slogan is “Community First,” with core values consisting of “Safety,” “Transparency,” “Accountability,” and “Community Engagement.”
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