Ryan Nicol
Former Delray Beach City Commissioner Adam Frankel has earned support from the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) as he mounts a bid to become Palm Beach County’s next Public Defender.
The FOP serves as a union for law enforcement officers, giving Frankel some significant support to tout as he makes his run.
“I am proud to receive the endorsement of The Fraternal Order of Police,” Frankel said. “Their support highlights our shared commitment to a fair, just, and accountable legal system. I am committed to ensuring that our community’s needs for equitable legal representation are met with the highest standards of service and integrity.”
Frankel is one of two Democratic candidates competing to replace longtime Public Defender Carey Haughwout. Haughwout has served in the post since being elected in 2001. Her office’s chief assistant, Dan Eisinger, is also running.
Frankel announced his intent to run last Fall as he faced term limits on the Delray Beach City Commission. He has since termed out. Frankel was elected five times to the Commission, serving from 2009-2015, then again from 2018-2024.
Frankel works as a criminal defense lawyer, operating his own shop. And while Eisinger already has a high-profile gig at the Office of the Public Defender, Frankel also started his legal career there, working as an Assistant Public Defender from 1999-2001.
Outgoing Palm Beach State Attorney Dave Aronberg also appointed Frankel to the county’s Sober House Task Force in 2016.
Frankel earned his law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law. Eisinger, meanwhile, graduated from University of Florida’s Levin College of Law, starting work in the Public Defender’s Office in 2003.
No Republicans have thus far filed to compete for the post, despite Republicans overperforming in the county last cycle.
The Primary Election is scheduled for Aug. 20. If no Republicans qualify, the Democratic Primary will be open to all voters, regardless of party affiliation.
