TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A Florida state attorney indicated he is unable to provide assistance to the elected official set to take over his position due to the continuation of a suspension imposed by Governor Ron DeSantis. This information comes from an internal email that has been made public.
In 2023, DeSantis issued an executive order that led to the suspension of Democrat Monique Worrell from her role as state attorney. Andrew Bain, the current state attorney appointed to the 9th Judicial Circuit to succeed Worrell, highlighted in a Monday communication to his staff that he cannot facilitate Worrell’s transition back into office. Worrell previously defeated Bain in last month’s election to regain control of the top prosecutor’s office for the Orlando area.
Bain acknowledged the electoral outcome in his message, expressing his desire to support the office’s future success but also stated that, given the circumstances, he could not assist in the transition process. Worrell is expected to start her new term on January 7, 2025. She is among two state attorneys whom DeSantis has removed from their positions, citing Worrell’s purported failure to prosecute minors effectively and a lack of pursuit for mandatory minimum sentences related to firearm crimes, which he claims jeopardizes the safety of central Florida. Worrell has openly contested these assertions, claiming they are based on political motivations rather than facts.
The governor and other Republican officials across the nation have raised concerns regarding actions taken by Democratic prosecutors. Bain indicated in his email that Worrell’s suspension must be clarified either through an additional executive order from the governor or by the Florida Senate, which evaluates cases involving suspended elected officials.
He pointed out that without one of these actions, it would not be legally permissible for him to assist someone who has been suspended lawfully, a decision that has already received affirmation from the Florida Supreme Court. Bain expressed in his email, “We are experiencing an unprecedented legal situation without clear guidance.”
Despite Bain’s position, a statement posted on the state attorney’s official website seemed to conflict with his message, indicating readiness for a smooth transition. The public information office asserted, “The state attorney is prepared to ensure an orderly transition. His term concludes on January 6, 2025, and Ms. Worrell’s tenure begins on January 7, 2025. It is the intent of the state attorney to uphold the will of the electorate.”
Worrell responded critically to Bain’s statements, labeling them as a “betrayal of democratic principles” and contending that the executive order suspending her should have lapsed with the 2024 election results. “No executive order, no political maneuvering, and no personal grievances can negate the decision made by the voters,” she asserted. “Any hindrance to the transition process is a direct insult to the people we serve.”
A representative for DeSantis referenced the statement from the state attorney’s office but did not address other inquiries related to the matter.
