Florida Prosecutor Reverses Refusal to Assist Successor’s Transition

DeSantis appointee Andrew Bain initially withheld cooperation with Monique Worrell’s return, citing legal concerns, before pledging to support a smooth handover.

• Andrew Bain, appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, initially stated he would not assist Monique Worrell in transitioning back to her role as Orange-Osceola State Attorney, citing legal ambiguities around her suspension.
• Worrell, a Democrat, was suspended by DeSantis in 2023 but won reelection in November 2024 with 57% of the vote, defeating Bain.
• Bain argued in a memo to staff that DeSantis' suspension order remained in effect, requiring further action from the governor or Florida Senate to resolve the matter.
• After backlash from Worrell and her supporters, Bain’s office issued a statement confirming he would cooperate with the transition and leave office on January 6, 2025.
• Legal experts have refuted Bain's interpretation of the suspension order, stating it does not apply to Worrell’s new term beginning January 7, 2025.

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