TAMPA, Fla. — Former State Attorney Andrew Warren has moved one step closer to his former job. Warren defeated his Democratic primary opponent, Elizabeth Strauss, by a 70%-30% margin.
Warren has been elected state attorney by voters in Hillsborough County twice, but Governor Ron DeSantis suspended him during his second term. A lengthy court battle ensued, and after an initial promise, Warren could not secure a court order to return him to his office.
He declared another candidacy for state attorney and will face current state attorney Suzy Lopez, who was hand-picked by Governor DeSantis to replace Warren, in the November general election.
After his victory Tuesday night, Warren released a statement thanking his opponent and criticized Governor DeSantis.
"My focus remains where it always has been: getting back in office so we can reverse the alarming increase in crime that’s happened under my illegally appointed successor. To do that, we need a true leader committed to serving this community, not the Governor’s political agenda."
Investigative Reporter Katie LaGrone obtained the most recent batch of Florida teacher exit interviews which detail, in their own words, why teachers left the classroom this summer.
