Republican Suzy Lopez will remain as the Hillsborough County State Attorney in Florida, solidifying her role after being appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) following the suspension of Andrew Warren (D) in 2022.
With just over 90% of votes counted in the Tampa state attorney race, Lopez was projected to win with 52.7% of the vote, while Warren gained 47.3%, according to the Associated Press.
Lopez was appointed to the position in August 2022 after he suspended Warren, a progressive prosecutor who issued a public statement refusing to enforce certain state laws, including those related to abortion, which he publicly opposed.
Throughout her campaign, Lopez touted her record not just as Hillsborough’s prosecutor but for her time as the Second District Court of Appeals in Tampa and a judge in Hillsborough County.
“I am the only state attorney in over two decades to go on the record in a courtroom for the state of Florida. I’m the only person in this race who’s ever tried a case in criminal court on behalf of the people of Hillsborough County,” she said.
In 2020, Warren won reelection as Hillsborough County state attorney, with the support of 53% of his constituents. But in August 2022, DeSantis indefinitely suspended him because he had indicated that he would not enforce restrictions on abortion and gender therapy. The governor claimed Warren had “flagrantly violated” his oath of office.
Following his removal, Warren said on Jan. 8 he would not run for reelection. But he reversed course in April, announcing in a video that he was running a campaign committed to “keeping our neighborhoods safe” and criminal justice reform and upholding the rule of law without political bias.
Warren released a statement on Election Day, saying he was “proud of the race we ran.”
“The best candidate doesn’t always win, especially when the other side cheats — illegally suspending you, then spending millions of dollars lying about you. But today’s result doesn’t change the facts: I made Hillsborough safer, improved the system, and fought for our freedoms and values. I want only what’s best for our community, and I hope Ms. Lopez grows into this role to become an effective and independent state attorney — not beholden to the governor or sheriff, but accountable to the people,” Warren said.
During her two years in office, Lopez sought to roll back several policies created by Warren and called for more severe punishments such as the death penalty for those convicted of serious crimes. In August 2024, Lopez’s office released stats showing a decrease in crime in Hillsborough, such as a 15% decrease in sexual battery and a 46% drop in robbery.
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Throughout her campaign, Lopez highlighted her dedication to public safety, victim advocacy, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
Lopez’s victory marks a victory for voters who favored a prosecutorial approach aligned with state mandates and a preference for adherence to established laws.