In a significant legal development, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, based in Atlanta, has ruled that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis must confront a retaliation lawsuit filed by former Tampa prosecutor Andrew Warren. The lawsuit alleges that Warren was wrongfully terminated for endorsing transgender care and abortion rights.
This decision revives Warren’s legal battle against DeSantis, a prominent Republican vying for the 2024 presidential nomination alongside Donald Trump. Previously dismissed by a federal judge in January, the case is now back in the spotlight as the appeals court determined that Warren’s statements constituted protected speech under the U.S. Constitution, having no impact on his official duties.
The court explicitly stated, “The First Amendment prevents DeSantis from identifying a reform prosecutor and then suspending him to garner political benefit.”
DeSantis’ spokesperson strongly opposed the ruling, labeling it as “flat wrong” and an “egregious encroachment on state sovereignty.”
Meanwhile, Warren welcomed the court’s decision, expressing hope that the trial judge could reinstate him. In a statement, Warren declared he would not seek re-election, citing concerns about potential arbitrary suspensions by DeSantis.
DeSantis had justified Warren’s suspension, alleging “neglect of duty” following the prosecutor’s endorsement of abortion rights, a stance shared by several prosecutors nationwide on June 24—the day the U.S. Supreme Court overturned its 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.
This legal clash adds to DeSantis’ challenges, as he already faces a lawsuit from another ousted Democratic state prosecutor, Monique Worrell, who contests her dismissal as an “attack on democracy.” Worrell’s case is currently in the hands of the Florida Supreme Court.
While DeSantis contends with these legal battles, opinion polls indicate he trails behind Trump in the ongoing Republican presidential nominating contest. The repercussions of these lawsuits may significantly shape the political landscape in Florida and beyond.
