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."
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