Tampa prosecutor whom DeSantis suspended will seek reelection

A Democratic prosecutor whom Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended from his post announced on Tuesday that he would seek reelection to the post of Hillsborough County state attorney.

DeSantis suspended Warren in August of 2022 after he indicated that he would not enforce state restrictions on sex change operations for minors. He tapped Hillsborough County Court Judge Susan Lopez to replace Warren at the time.

"I'm running for re-election! I'll never stop fighting for our safety, our freedom, and our democracy. Join us in this fight to build a safer, stronger community," Warren declared in an X post.

I'm running for re-election! I'll never stop fighting for our safety, our freedom, and our democracy. Join us in this fight to build a safer, stronger community. Donate at https://t.co/mebZt8It8i pic.twitter.com/3ftiP1u22B

— Andrew Warren (@AndrewWarrenFL) April 16, 2024

The announcement represents an about-face for Warren, who in January indicated he would not run again in anticipation that the governor would simply suspend him again in the event of a victory. Lopez, for her part, is also running for a full term, per Politico.

Warren challenged his suspension in federal court. U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle in January 2023 criticized DeSantis's actions, but determined he did not have the authority to reinstate Warren.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.