Two candidates with deep ties to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office will face off this month to win the Republican nomination for sheriff. Lauro Diaz is a former commander with PBSO while Michael Gauger was the longtime chief deputy under Sheriff Bradshaw. The Sheriff's race features contested Republican and Democratic primaries. All four candidates have lengthy law enforcement experience.
WPTV has been calling, interviewing and crisscrossing our five-county community to hear from candidates for sheriff — both challengers and incumbents. The nastiness continues in the race for Palm Beach County Sheriff. The Palm Beach County Patrolman's Benevolent Association is spending money to prevent Michael Gauger from becoming the Republican nominee.
The Palm Beach Post recommends Democratic voters choose Ric Bradshaw and Republicans choose Michael Gauger in the August 20 primary. Gauger is a Republican who is set to face Lauro Diaz in the GOP primary in August. The winner will face the winner of the Democratic primary.
In the midst of a contentious race for Palm Beach County Sheriff, tensions are running high. The candidates, Gauger and Diaz, have both been vocal about their plans for the Sheriff's Office if elected. However, their campaigns have taken a negative turn, with personal attacks and mudslinging becoming the norm.
The Palm Beach County Patrolman's Benevolent Association's involvement in the race has only added fuel to the fire. The organization's efforts to prevent Gauger from securing the Republican nomination have intensified the already heated competition between the two candidates. Endorsements from local news outlets and political figures have further polarized the race, with each side vying for support from key stakeholders.
Despite the vitriol surrounding the campaign, both Gauger and Diaz have emphasized their commitment to public safety and their dedication to serving the community. Their respective law enforcement backgrounds have positioned them as formidable contenders in the race, with each candidate touting their experience and qualifications as reasons to vote for them.
As the primary election draws near, voters in Palm Beach County are faced with a decision that could shape the future of law enforcement in their community. The choice between Gauger and Diaz represents a crossroads for the Sheriff's Office, with the outcome of the race likely to have far-reaching implications for the county's safety and security.
