Changing course, Florida prosecutor suspended by DeSantis to seek reelection

By CURT ANDERSON
Associated Press

Changing course, a Democratic Florida prosecutor suspended from office by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis says he will seek reelection while a court battle continues over his 2022 removal from the post. Andrew Warren had previously said he would not run this year. But that was before a federal appeals court ruled that a lower court should consider Warren’s argument that statements he made about issues such as abortion were political advocacy protected by the First Amendment. That case remains pending. DeSantis cited those statements in suspending Warren. DeSantis appointed Republican Suzy Lopez to replace Warren, and she is running for the position that prosecutes cases in Tampa and surrounding Hillsborough County.