Determined Democrat Triumphs Over DeSantis-Backed Candidate
Monique Worrell, one of two Democratic state attorneys in Florida who Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis had removed from office, has reclaimed her old job from voters. In a powerful victory, Worrell defeated Andrew Bain, the candidate DeSantis had replaced her with last year, who was running without a party affiliation.
Worrell’s win is a significant blow to DeSantis, who had claimed she failed to prosecute crimes committed by minors and didn’t seek mandatory minimum sentences for gun crimes, putting the public in danger in her central Florida district. Worrell disputed these claims as false and politically driven.
Emotional Win Dedicated to Late Father
Speaking to a crowd of jubilant supporters on Tuesday night, Worrell dedicated her victory to her father, who died unexpectedly last June. “Before he took his last breath, he told me, ‘Go get your seat back,'” she said, her voice thick with emotion.
Worrell’s triumph is a testament to her perseverance and the trust placed in her by her constituents. “I want to thank the voters for standing with me and saying, ‘We don’t believe you Ron DeSantis,'” Worrell declared, her words resonating with the crowd.
Broader Implications for Florida Politics
Worrell’s victory is not only a personal triumph but also a significant development in Florida’s political landscape. Her reclaiming of the state attorney’s seat represents a defiant response to DeSantis’ efforts to reshape the state’s judiciary to align with his conservative agenda.
The outcome in Worrell’s race is mirrored in the Tampa area, where another Democrat, Andrew Warren, who DeSantis had removed in 2022, conceded to Suzy Lopez, the Republican DeSantis had picked to replace him.
