Democrats call for hearing to ‘investigate attacks on democracy’ after DeSantis suspension of state attorney

A group of Democratic lawmakers in the House are calling for a hearing to “investigate attacks on democracy,” following Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s (R) suspension of State Attorney Monique Worrell (D) on Wednesday for alleged “neglect of duty.” 

House Committee on Oversight and Accountability ranking member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and Reps. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) and Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) sent a letter Thursday to committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) asking for a full hearing on the “shocking trends of anti-democratic abuses of powers in the state [Florida.]”

The lawmakers claimed Florida’s executive and legislative branches of government have engaged in a “relentless assault on the fundamental rights and freedoms of Floridians.”

The letter addresses the previous suspension by DeSantis of Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren after he allegedly refused to enforce bans on abortion and transgender surgery. The lawmakers referenced testimony from Warren, Florida state Rep. Anna Eskamani (D) and two Florida residents about alleged “anti-democratic abuses,” happening in Florida.

The lawmakers said they are “alarmed” DeSantis has suspended a second prosecutor.

“This removal flies in the face of the courts and the Constitution in what appears to be a scheme to undermine the will of the electorate where the courts cannot provide a legal remedy for the Constitutional violation,” the letter said. 

DeSantis, also a Republican presidential candidate, announced the suspension of Worrell on Wednesday and said her “administration of the criminal justice in the 9th Circuit has been clearly and fundamentally derelict so as to constitute both neglect of duty and incompetence.”

Worrell was elected to serve as the state attorney for Florida’s 9th District in 2020 and was running for reelection in 2024.

Worrell called DeSantis a “weak dictator” following her suspension.  

In Thursday’s letter, the lawmakers said a full committee hearing is needed to understand the “pattern of these abuses of power,” and identify the steps needed to “protect the rights and freedoms of Floridians and Americans.” 

DeSantis’s move sparked criticism from multiple Democratic Florida state lawmakers, who pointed to the governor’s own “dereliction of duty.” A Florida-based voting rights group said it is planning to protest the governor’s decision outside of the Orlando City Hall on Thursday night. 

The Hill has reached out to DeSantis’s office and campaign for comment.