Francheska Sabatini challenges Ron DeSantis-appointed Judge Chad Monty
Francheska and Anthony Sabatini. Image via X.

Anthony Sabatini
Husband Anthony Sabatini, meanwhile, qualified to run for Congress.

It looks like challenging incumbents and burning political institutions could be a family affair in one Lake County home.

Francheska Sabatini, wife to congressional candidate Anthony Sabatini, will challenge a Judge appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The Lake County Supervisor of Elections confirmed that the Mount Dora lawyer qualified to run against Lake County Judge Chad Monty.

That news came the same day Sabatini, a former state Representative who spent his last year in the House exiled to a basement office, qualified to challenge U.S. Rep. Dan Webster, a Clermont Republican.

The Florida Bar confirms that both Sabatinis remain members in good standing eligible to practice law in the state. The two make up the entire roster of lawyers at Sabatini Law. Francheska Sabatini has practiced law for 12 years.

She now looks to oust Monty from the bench a year after DeSantis appointed the Sorrento attorney to the Group 4 judgeship.

Monty’s seat on the bench was created by legislation passed in 2022 (HB 7027).

Monty before his appointment served as an Assistant State Attorney in Florida’s 5th Judicial Circuit, starting in 2012. He also has owned his own practice. Monty earned his law degree at Stetson University. He got his bachelor’s degree from Hofstra University.

Francheska Sabatini earned her law degree from Florida A&M Law School in 2012, and also holds a master of laws from George Washington University Law School.

Both Sabatinis have been involved in local GOP politics. Francheska Sabatini in 2020 was elected as the Republican Party state committeewoman representing Lake County and served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention. That post is now held by Barbara Price.

Anthony Sabatini serves as Chair of the Lake County Republican Party, a position he won in 2022 after defeating incumbent Chair Walter Price. He was part of a network of candidates connected to Michael Flynn, a former White House National Security Advisor working with right-wing fringe causes across the county.

Jacob Ogles

Jacob Ogles has covered politics in Florida since 2000 for regional outlets including SRQ Magazine in Sarasota, The News-Press in Fort Myers and The Daily Commercial in Leesburg. His work has appeared nationally in The Advocate, Wired and other publications. Events like SRQ’s Where The Votes Are workshops made Ogles one of Southwest Florida’s most respected political analysts, and outlets like WWSB ABC 7 and WSRQ Sarasota have featured his insights. He can be reached at [email protected].


9 comments

  • Dont Say FLA

    April 25, 2024 at 4:27 pm

    Why not have dogs replace judges? The dog sits down, guilty. The dog does not sit down, not guilty.

    That works for warrants, so I sure don’t see why it wouldn’t work for all tasks handled by judges.

    Fire all the judges and put dogs in charge today!

  • Joe

    April 25, 2024 at 4:34 pm

    These too-common husband-and-wife G.Q.P. political duos in Florida are just gross. Anthony especially seems like a terrible human being.

    • Jacqueline Miller

      April 26, 2024 at 9:34 pm

      I agree!

    • Max Payne

      April 27, 2024 at 7:10 pm

      Why do you say that?

  • tom palmer

    April 25, 2024 at 5:07 pm

    So we have a female Chihuahua running for something.

  • Ron Forrest Ron

    April 25, 2024 at 5:07 pm

    Where’s her “I’m With Stupid —->” hat?

    • Jacqueline Miller

      April 26, 2024 at 9:34 pm

      Yes!

    • Max Payne

      April 27, 2024 at 7:07 pm

      You mean the one Jill Biden wears when she’s with Joe?

  • Jacqueline Miller

    April 26, 2024 at 9:08 pm

    How can a county, non-partisan judge be affiliated with a party? If Justice is blind, how can it be tied to a party?

Comments are closed.


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