The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has filed a lawsuit challenging Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's suspension of State Attorney Monique Worrell. The suit, lodged in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division, represents voters who elected Worrell and Florida Rising, a grassroots organization focused on democracy-building. The lawsuit claims that the governor's actions disenfranchise over 395,000 voters and compromise electoral fairness.
David Caicedo, an Orlando resident who voted for Worrell in 2020, stated, "My rights as a voter and citizen were violated when the governor overstepped in his power to remove State Attorney Worrell." He emphasized that his involvement in the lawsuit is an extension of his civic engagement and called for governance that prioritizes citizens' interests.
Rajib Chowdhury, another central Florida voter, described the lawsuit as necessary to counter what he sees as executive overreach by Governor DeSantis. Chowdhury highlighted Worrell's criminal justice reforms and expressed support for her return to office. "She was elected by an overwhelming majority of the vote to represent the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court," he said.
Sheena Rolle from Florida Rising criticized the suspension as an attack on Floridians' voting rights. "DeSantis is trying to intimidate elected democratic officials into shying away from reforms," she remarked.
Matletha Bennette, SPLC senior staff attorney, argued that DeSantis's decision undermines free elections in Florida. "It is a flagrant abuse of power in pursuit of a harmful and anti-democracy agenda," Bennette asserted.
The plaintiffs seek a court order to reinstate Worrell to her position. Governor DeSantis suspended Worrell on August 9 due to opposition to her criminal justice reforms and general hostility toward elected Democrats. Her initiatives included reducing cash bail usage and expanding diversion programs for non-violent youth offenders.
Worrell’s suspension follows other politically motivated suspensions by Governor DeSantis. In August 2022, he suspended Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren along with several other officials based on political differences.