Continuing his bid for a second term in the U.S. Senate, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., announced this week he was endorsed by Alachua County Sheriff Emery Gainey.

With this endorsement, Scott has the backing of 60 of Florida’s county sheriffs. Florida has 67 counties.

“I’m honored to be endorsed by Sheriff Gainey! I was proud to appoint him as sheriff of Marion County in 2016 and I also got to work with him when he was in the Florida Attorney General’s office. He’s a great friend and I have seen firsthand how hard he works to keep our state safe. I am so glad he is now serving as Alachua County sheriff and look forward to continue working with him while I am in the US Senate,” Scott said.

“I’m proud to endorse Senator Rick Scott for another term as Florida’s Senator. I’ve known Senator Scott for 13 years, and I know that he will always support Florida law enforcement. I look forward to working with him to keep Alachua County safe,” said Gainey.

Former U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, D-Fla., entered the race in August and she is the current favorite to win the Democratic nomination. She faces Phil Ehr, a former Navy officer who twice ran against U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., in the Democratic primary. Other candidates in the Democratic primary include former U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Fla., former state Rep. Brian Rush and a field of minor candidates. Among the possible Democratic candidates is Brevard County School Board Member Jennifer Jenkins.