Rutherford, John H.

John H. Rutherford is a Republican serving his fifth term in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Florida's 5th Congressional District since 2023. He previously represented Florida's 4th Congressional District from 2017 to 2022. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1952, Rutherford earned degrees in criminology from Florida Junior College and Florida State University. He spent over four decades in law enforcement, beginning his career as a patrolman with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office in 1974 and rising through the ranks to serve as the elected Sheriff of Duval County from 2003 to 2015.

In Congress, Rutherford serves on the House Appropriations Committee and its three subcommittees: Homeland Security; Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. His legislative priorities reflect his law enforcement background, focusing on public safety, veterans' affairs, and national security. His sponsored bills include the Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act of 2025, the PROTECT Florida Act, the PLAN for School Safety Act of 2025, and the Red Snapper Act, among others. He has also championed environmental protections for Florida's coasts and supported legislation benefiting the major naval installations in his district.

Rutherford's tenure in Congress has been marked by his emphasis on practical, experience-driven approaches to policy. He has advocated for mental health initiatives within the criminal justice system and supported measures to improve veterans' healthcare. His district includes Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport, and he has actively pressed for military investments in the region. Rutherford remains engaged with his Northeast Florida constituents through regular community outreach and legislative work focused on local economic development and public safety.