Nikki Fried endorses Josh Rydell in Broward State Attorney race
Nikki Fried is supporting a federal bill that would help mental health care in rural communities.

Nikki Fried
Rydell is one of eight Democrats gunning for the job in the liberal-leaning county.

Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried is backing Coconut Creek Commissioner Joshua Rydell in the 2020 contest to be Broward County’s next State Attorney.

“During my time as an assistant public defender in Alachua County, I saw firsthand how broken and unfair our state’s criminal justice system can be,” Fried said.

“That’s why I’m supporting Joshua Rydell for State Attorney. He understands the serious problems facing the system and I know he’ll bring a fresh approach to keeping Broward County safe while also working to end mass incarceration, reduce recidivism and stop discriminatory sentencing.”

The State Attorney’s race in the 17th Judicial Circuit — which covers Broward County — is the most competitive in the entire state with 10 candidates qualifying for the contest.

That’s in part because it will be the first open race in more than 40 years. Broward State Attorney Michael Satz has served in that role for the past four decades, but has decided not to run for reelection.

Rydell is one of eight Democrats gunning for the job in the liberal-leaning county.

That makes Fried’s endorsement a big get. She’s currently the highest-ranking Democrat in the state and the only Democrat to win statewide office in 2018.

“As an accomplished attorney and now as Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Nikki Fried has shown a commitment to improving the lives of all Floridians,” Rydell said.

“I am proud to have her endorsement and I look forward to working with her whenever possible as our county’s next State Attorney.”

Also competing for the Democratic nomination are David Cannady, Teresa Fanning-Williams, Joe Kimok, James Stewart Lewis, Justin McCormack, Sarahnell Murphy and Harold Pryor.

Gregg Rossman is the only Republican running, while Sheila D. Alu filed as a non-party affiliated candidate.

Rydell has outraised the field so far, pulling in more than $218,000 through April 30. He has more than $170,000 of that still on hand.

Pryor has raised the second most with more than $101,000. That’s slightly ahead of Murphy’s $95,000 haul. The two each have just under $70,000 remaining in their respective campaign warchests.

Rydell has also courted endorsements from Sen. Kevin Rader and Reps. Michael Gottlieb and Dan Daley.

Ryan Nicol

Ryan Nicol covers news out of South Florida for Florida Politics. Ryan is a native Floridian who attended undergrad at Nova Southeastern University before moving on to law school at Florida State. After graduating with a law degree he moved into the news industry, working in TV News as a writer and producer, along with some freelance writing work. If you'd like to contact him, send an email to [email protected].


One comment

  • Concerned for ALL

    May 14, 2020 at 8:32 am

    If State Attorneys are so concerned with how unfair and bad things are with the ‘broken system’ then why so often do they seem to become the problem? And have immunity from lawsuits?? That was put into place because they fucked people so bad… State Prosecutors seem to be the ones who always fight for maximum punishment of a crime…whether person is guilty or not…make up the scenario of the crime in alot of cases…protect dirty police officers…show zero leniency…withhold evidence etc…they are just as shady as the laws written on paper…why are State Attorneys doing NOTHING with their local district HOUSE REPS and STATE SENATORS to help support law changes when it comes to sentencing during the legislative session each year??? INSTEAD old man dinosaur gets up at every criminal justice committee hearing for last 50 years to fight against any criminal law changes that will reduce recidivism…allow for shorter sentences…make it about public safety not so harsh punishment…Why are they not talking to their local sheriff and helping to work with FSA and other attorney groups to actually change the laws?? Because they don’t want too…law enforcement and state attorneys will say they will do this and that so we vote them into office…let’s get the sand out of our eyes Florida…State Attorney’s lie like all other politicians to get into office…WE elect them…force them to work with our legislators to make real law changes for the greater good of Florida as a whole and not just give lip service and broken promises…if they want to be elected and can supposedly do all these things…then they better actually work to change laws…that means by supporting the legislators in their county…listen to families and advocates that fight for change…and supporting proposed bills that will do some real good in Florida and save taxpayers a ton of money…otherwise don’t expect shit people…and be sure to vote for the SA that supports CJR and not just gives lip service…it is high time we make changes for the better…Nikki Fried…you plan to run for Governor??? Well..when you do..you can step up and fix the ‘broken system’ you are stating you are so concerned about because this shit stick Gov now won’t do a damb thing and until he’s out nothing will change…NO CHANGE IN CJR for almost 3 decades??? Really?? Do away with FMR and PRR… That is where ANY State Attorney worth anything needs to start…these guys are only as good as their word…however the law is the law my hands are tied…you will hear that once they are in office…so State Attorney…if you are any good…you would work out here to change the laws not hide behind your desk and current shit laws…grow a conscious and really be about what you are advertising yourselves to be…

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