Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren says he won’t leave
Hillsborough #Hillsborough
Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren is not stepping down, despite an executive order from Gov. Ron DeSantis that attempts to suspend him from his locally elected role as the county’s chief prosecutor, citing “neglect of duty” and “incompetence.”
Driving the news: In a theatrical announcement at Falkenburg Road Jail that was harkened by sensational tweets from his media personnel, DeSantis announced Thursday morning that he was suspending Warren, state attorney in District 13 since 2017.
Background: Warren, a Democrat who has run on a progressive platform of fairness and equity, has recently pledged not to prosecute abortion or transgender health care cases.
Details: DeSantis’ executive order spells out what he calls “incompetence and willful defiance.”
Context: DeSantis said he ordered a state-wide review of prosecutorial conduct after observing how some West Coast cities have been refusing to prosecute criminals according to state law.
Yes, but: DeSantis didn’t point to any specific wrongdoing or failure to prosecute, just policy interpretation.
What he’s saying: “The governor is trying to overthrow the result of a free and fair election,” said Warren. “If the governor thinks he can do a better job, then he should run for state attorney and not president.”
What’s next: DeSantis appointed Hillsborough County Court judge Susan Lopez to serve as state attorney, presumably until another election can be scheduled, but Warren’s path to appeal is unclear.