Andrew Warren rakes in $100K after jumping into race for the State Attorney seat Gov. DeSantis took from him

andrew warren
'With your continued support, we can reclaim a cherished value of our democracy: that the people decide who serves in elected office.'

Former Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren says he raised $100,000 from 350 donors in less than 14 days.

“This incredible milestone speaks volumes about the dedication and support of our community, as well as the importance of this race across our state,” Warren wrote last week in a campaign announcement to supporters.

The campaign announcement didn’t specify who Warren’s donors were or whether the funds were raised for his campaign, his political committee, or both. But it acknowledges the challenge Warren is facing after jumping into the race late in the game.

“We are up against a well-funded opponent backed by powerful elites in Tallahassee who are determined to exploit the Governor’s unconstitutional actions,” the email blast reads, referencing Gov. Ron DeSantis’ suspension of Warren from office. “But with your continued support, we can reclaim a cherished value of our democracy: that the people decide who serves in elected office.”

DeSantis suspended Warren from office in August 2022, claiming that Warren refused to enforce laws. Warren had pledged not to enforce Florida’s law banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy or laws regarding gender-affirming care. 

Warren sued to get his job back. A federal judge last January ruled that DeSantis violated the Florida Constitution and Warren’s First Amendment rights, but he declined to restore Warren to his post, citing the 11th Amendment to the Constitution limiting federal autonomy over states. 

An appeals court this January rebuffed the initial ruling, remanding the case back to the lower court and tasking DeSantis with demonstrating how he would have suspended Warren for issues that didn’t violate Warren’s First Amendment rights. The lower court has yet to act, leaving Warren in limbo as he campaigns for re-election to a job he no longer has. 

Running the 13th Judicial Circuit in his stead is Suzy Lopez, a Republican DeSantis appointed to replace Warren following the suspension. Lopez is now seeking election to the seat and has — as Warren’s campaign noted — plenty of resources to give her an edge. Lopez has raised more than $288,000 as of the end of March, and still has well over $200,000 on hand. She has another nearly $150,000 left in her affiliated political committee, Friends of Suzy Lopez. 

Making matters even more complicated for Warren, he’s also facing a Primary challenger for the Democratic nomination. But that opponent, Elizabeth Martinez Strauss, raised only a little more than $21,000. 

Warren’s campaign financials are not yet publicly available — the most recent reports due only cover March, before Warren entered the race. But he has a political committee, Safer Stronger Florida, that has less than $15,000 on hand. 

Warren has twice been elected to serve as State Attorney in Hillsborough County, first in 2016 and again in 2020. 

The county has changed much since 2020, with Republicans dominating races up and down the ballot in 2022, including unseating two County Commissioners and regaining a majority on the dais. 

And Lopez has an impressive list of supporters, including U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, the state Police Benevolent Association and local chapters in Tampa, St. Pete (Suncoast) and West Central Florida, and Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. 

Janelle Irwin Taylor

Janelle Irwin Taylor has been a professional journalist covering local news and politics in Tampa Bay since 2003. Most recently, Janelle reported for the Tampa Bay Business Journal. She formerly served as senior reporter for WMNF News. Janelle has a lust for politics and policy. When she’s not bringing you the day’s news, you might find Janelle enjoying nature with her husband, children and two dogs. You can reach Janelle at [email protected].


8 comments

  • LT

    May 6, 2024 at 11:38 am

    Where do I donate? Warren needs to be back where he belongs.

    • Ron

      May 6, 2024 at 5:52 pm

      Yes, he belongs in California or NY with all the other losers.

      • Elvis Pitts "AMERICA'S BIG VOICE ON THE RIGHT" American

        May 6, 2024 at 6:29 pm

        Good evening Sage Patriots,
        This Warren Dook 4 Brains Lefty is George Soros Great Great Great Grandson and after being spanked by our Next VPOTUS, Ron “THE RONALD” DeSantis no County in Florida will elect Warren.
        Thank you Sage Patriots,
        Elvis Pitts American

  • Jerry Fardella

    May 6, 2024 at 1:20 pm

    We need government officials that enforce all laws,despite their personal biases.As a loyal dem., Mr Warren has followed the Joe Biden model (ie on the border) by choosing NOT to follow the law.Ms.Lopez has proved herself able n willing to keep us free and safe.PS,if you can spare 2 hours come to help us Wednesday 10 to 12; contact HCREC for details and let’s keep Florida free.

  • Jerry Fardella

    May 6, 2024 at 1:56 pm

    TESTING 1,2,3

  • Jerry Fardella

    May 6, 2024 at 2:01 pm

    Mr. Warren was justly fired by Gov. DeSantis for choosing which laws to follow; he was using
    the Joe Biden model (on enforcing border laws). Ms Lopez has proven herself to be an able leader and is far superior than her predecessor; We humbly ask her to review laws affecting school childred and the pornographic books available in public school libraries. Thank you and God Bless.

  • Julia

    May 6, 2024 at 7:36 pm

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  • david Glatthorn

    May 20, 2024 at 4:52 pm

    How do I contribute to Warren’s campaign?

Comments are closed.


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