Biography
John Henry Rutherford, born on September 2, 1952, in Omaha, Nebraska, has been a resident of Jacksonville, Florida, since 1958. He began his law enforcement career in 1974 as a patrolman with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office , eventually serving as Director of Corrections from 1995 to 2003. In 2003, Rutherford was elected Sheriff of Duval County, a position he held for three consecutive terms until 2015. During his tenure, he implemented intelligence-led and community-based policing strategies that significantly reduced violent crime rates in Jacksonville. Transitioning to politics, Rutherford was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2016, representing Florida's 4th congressional district. Following redistricting, he has represented Florida's 5th congressional district since 2023. In Congress, he serves on the House Appropriations Committee and the House Ethics Committee.
Education
- Associate of Science in Criminology from Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Bachelor of Science in Criminology from Florida State University, 1974
- Graduate of the FBI National Academy, 171st Session
- Graduate of the National Executive Institute
Political Experience
- Patrolman, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, 1974–2003
- Director of Corrections, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, 1995–2003
- Sheriff of Duval County, Florida, 2003–2015
- U.S. Representative for Florida's 4th Congressional District, 2017–2023
- U.S. Representative for Florida's 5th Congressional District, 2023–present
Throughout his career, Rutherford has been recognized for his commitment to public safety, veterans' affairs, and community development. He has been married to his wife, Pat, for over 50 years, and they have two children and six grandchildren.
