HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – In a ceremony filled with gratitude and reflection, Suzy Lopez was officially sworn in as Hillsborough County State Attorney on Tuesday. Surrounded by family, friends, colleagues, and law enforcement officials, Lopez vowed to continue her mission of upholding public safety and justice for the community.
Governor Ron DeSantis, who appointed Lopez to the role in 2022, delivered remarks praising her leadership and dedication to the rule of law.
DeSantis highlighted Lopez’s transition from judge to prosecutor, emphasizing the challenges she faced in stepping into the position during a politically charged period.
“She was thrust into a situation that was not easy to manage, with a lot of moving parts and political undercurrents,” DeSantis said. “But she kept her eye on the ball and worked hand in hand with law enforcement to prioritize the safety of Hillsborough County.”
The governor credited Lopez’s leadership for reducing crime rates and fostering economic growth in the area. “The results have spoken for themselves. Under Suzy, the inmates are not running the asylum in Hillsborough County. Accountability has been restored, and the people are safer because of it,” he added.
DeSantis also noted Lopez’s electoral success in 2024, where she earned the highest vote count in Hillsborough County across all races, calling it a testament to her hard work and commitment to the community.
In her remarks, Lopez expressed profound gratitude for the trust placed in her by the community, her colleagues, and her family. Reflecting on her journey from being sworn in as a judge in 2022 to her current role, she shared her commitment to public service and justice.
“I promise to serve my hometown of Hillsborough County as we pursue public safety together,” Lopez said. “I am fortunate and blessed to have a dedicated team of 320 lawyers, investigators, support staff, and victim advocates who value this community as much as I do.”
Lopez emphasized the importance of supporting victims and their families, sharing heartfelt stories of the individuals and law enforcement officers who inspire her office’s work. “We bring justice for victims and support their families. Every day, we work for public safety and to bring justice to families who need it most,” she said.
Lopez underscored her office’s commitment to enforcing the law with humility and respect. “As the governor said, we righted the ship and brought us back to basics,” she stated. “I promise to follow the law and pursue our mission of public safety with integrity. I will work hard every day to make Hillsborough County safer and to make you proud of this office and proud of me.”
The ceremony, attended by law enforcement leaders, business executives, and community members, reflected Lopez’s deep connections to Hillsborough County and her dedication to its future. Two special guests, Florida State Attorney General Ashley Moody, Former Florida Attorney General, and soon-to-be US Attorney General Pam Bondi, participated in Lopez’s swearing on Tuesday.
Lopez’s investiture marks a new chapter for Hillsborough County, with a focus on maintaining public safety, supporting victims, and strengthening trust between the community and the State Attorney’s Office.
Both Lopez and DeSantis expressed optimism about the county’s future, with the governor declaring, “The best is yet to come.”
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