In a dramatic comeback, Monique Worrell, the Central Florida state attorney suspended by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2023, won back her position in Tuesday’s election.
Worrell, a Democrat initially elected in 2020, received 57% of the vote in Florida’s 9th Judicial Circuit, which includes Orange and Osceola counties, defeating DeSantis appointee Andrew Bain, who replaced her following her suspension.
DeSantis had accused Worrell of implementing policies that discouraged mandatory sentences for gun crimes and drug offenses, leading to her suspension.
READ: Suzy Lopez Wins Hillsborough County State Attorney Race, Defeating Andrew Warren
While the Florida Supreme Court upheld her removal, a pending federal lawsuit—filed by two voters and the group Florida Rising Together—argues Worrell was simply fulfilling campaign promises for criminal justice reform and using her prosecutorial discretion.
Worrell’s victory was celebrated by Florida Democrats, with party Chairwoman Nikki Fried stating, “Democracy wins. Tonight, Florida voters sent Monique Worrell back to work,” calling the suspension “a politically motivated stunt” during DeSantis’ presidential run.
READ: Florida Sen. Rick Scott Wins Re-Election, Strengthening Republican Dominance In The State
Meanwhile, Hillsborough County’s suspended State Attorney Andrew Warren was unsuccessful in his bid to reclaim his role.
Suzy Lopez, appointed by DeSantis in 2022 to replace Warren, won the election in the 13th Judicial Circuit with 52% of the vote. Warren, who DeSantis accused of “incompetence and willful defiance,” has also filed a federal lawsuit challenging his suspension.
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