OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez might have won his primary race, but now he’ll have to face down challenger Donnie Martinez to determine whether he’ll keep his coveted position.
Incumbent Sheriff Lopez beat out the crowded primary field back in August, beating out four other candidates to run as the Democratic candidate during this year’s general election.
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Meanwhile, Martinez is the Republican candidate, and he’s offering to bring a “new vision” to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office if picked for the role.
With Election Day quickly approaching, here’s a look at both candidates.
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Meet the candidates
Marcos Lopez: Website
Lopez is the incumbent sheriff, having been sworn in on Jan. 5, 2021.
At 17 years old, Lopez joined the U.S. military and completed 22 years of service. He began his career with the OCSO back in 2003 while serving in the Navy Reserve and after receiving an associate degree in criminal justice.
After becoming sheriff, Lopez implemented a real-time crime center and several new specialty units, including the Tactical Anti-Crime Unit, Osceola County Narcotics Bureau, and a Fugitive Extradition Program with Puerto Rico.
Donnie Martinez: Website
Martinez is an Osceola County native and a recent graduate of the Law Enforcement Academy.
According to Martinez, he has a history of volunteering for local city government, the chamber of commerce, his local church, and the school system.
During this year’s race, Martinez is touting his managerial record, having owned and operated local businesses ranging from pool operations, lawn care, real estate, property management, and a title agency. Martinez says he wants to bring his managerial record to the sheriff’s office to help tackle issues like crime, drug addiction and mental health issues.