Florida prosecutor takes removal by 'authoritarian' DeSantis to high court for 'democracy'

Former Florida state attorney Monique Worrell, an elected Democrat whom Republican Governor Ron DeSantis suspended from her post earlier this year, is now asking the state supreme court to reinstate her while accusing the governor of removing her for political gain.

Politico reports Worrell was bringing her case before Florida's supreme court — notably the same day DeSantis is appearing in a Republican presidential debate in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Worrell, who was elected to her central Florida district by voters in Osceola and Orange Counties in 2020, was suspended in August of 2023. Gov. DeSantis accused Worrell of being too lenient on defendants, and allowing reduced sentences for defendants convicted of violent crimes.

"Our votes have been stolen, our justice has been killed and our democracy is being destroyed," Worrell said, adding that DeSantis' "authoritarian" decision to remove her was motivated by his presidential ambitions. She said if the state's highest court sides with DeSantis, "it will set the precedent whether or not the governor can single-handedly remove every Democrat in this state."

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News of DeSantis' removal of Worrell from her post angered Florida Democrats. Rep. Anna Eskamani (D), who represents Orlando, called the suspension "absolutely disgusting."

"State Attorney Monique Worrell is a duly elected official and the only Black woman serving as State Attorney in Florida right now. Her removal is a complete slap in the face to Orange and Osceola county residents and another example of Gov. DeSantis eroding our local control and democracy," Eskamani said.

Florida allows for either the Florida state senate or the supreme court to reinstate elected officials removed by the governor. However, because Republicans control the Florida senate with a 28-12 majority, Worrell is not optimistic about her chances of being reinstated by the body. She pointed out that senators sided with DeSantis in his feud with Disney, and approved gerrymandered Congressional redistricting maps that resulted in a Black Democrat losing their northern Florida seat.

"Up until now, whatever the governor wants, he has gotten," Worrell told Politico.

READ MORE: 'Busted': Ousted FL prosecutor reveals how DeSantis and cops 'were all working against' her