Tyrone Randy Johnson Jr. is running for sheriff in Gainesville, Florida, despite his felony record and ineligibility to carry a gun or work as a deputy. He is one of four Democrats running in a county where Democrats hold significant political power. Johnson has faced legal trouble in the past, including a felony conviction for acting as a bond agent without a license, as well as a misdemeanor theft charge for stealing a hose reel. Additionally, he has not completed the process to restore his civil rights after his imprisonment, which is required under Florida law for a felon to hold political office or possess a gun.
Despite these obstacles, Johnson has filed preliminary paperwork to declare his candidacy and has collected $210 in campaign contributions. He is running on a platform of stopping corrupt cops and government officials and has pledged to publish details about all sheriff’s deputies, including their names, photographs, ages, salaries, and the demographics of the people they interact with during their law enforcement duties.
Johnson, who has expressed support for legalizing recreational marijuana, has complained about media coverage focusing on his felony record, insisting that he is not a “thug” running for office. He has also criticized the focus on his criminal record, stating that his experiences and insights make him a qualified candidate for sheriff.
The primary election is scheduled for August 20, and the general election is set for November 5. It remains to be seen how Johnson’s candidacy will unfold, given the legal obstacles he faces due to his criminal record.
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