Marco Lopez (D) projected to be Osceola County's first Latino sheriff

Lopez wins Osceola County Sheriff’s race

Marco Lopez has won the Osceola County Sheriff race, making history as the first Latino sheriff in the county’s history.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. - Marco Lopez (D) has won the Osceola County Sheriff race, making history as the first Latino sheriff in the county’s history.

Lopez beat another former Osceola County Sheriff, Luis “Tony” Fernandez (NPA), who is also a Latino.

Lopez is a Navy veteran who served over 22 years on active duty and the reserves. According to his website, he was trained in counter-terrorism, logistics, and operations.

Lopez served with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office for 16 years as a firearms and defensive tactics instructor while working investigations, street crimes, sex crime stings and as a member of the community response team. He also manages a security consulting firm he founded. Lopez beat incumbent Sheriff Russ Gibson in the Democratic primary election, which secured his spot on the November ballot.

Lopez says “transparency and accountability” will be at the heart of his administration.

"Community policing is of upmost importance to me. I will work to reestablish respectful relationships between deputies and the communities they patrol," his website states. "This will include the development of youth outreach programs. My deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom taught me the importance of understanding and working with different cultures. Improved cultural diversity training will be a priority as your Sheriff."

You can find FOX 35's complete guide to the 2020 election HERE.