Ron DeSantis Suffers a Legal Blow in His War Against the “Woke Mob”

Florida Governor and 2024 Republican presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis speaks at a campaign event in Davenport, Iowa, on January 13, 2024. (Photo by Christian MONTERROSA / AFP)

DeSantis faced a legal setback on Wednesday when a panel from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of one of those district attorneys, Andrew Warren.

DeSantis Legal Defeat: What’s Next?

Illustration. Image by samael1986 via Depositphotos.com

Nearing the end of his presidential race, Florida’s Governor DeSantis keeps highlighting his efforts to turn his state into the graveyard for “woke” ideas. 

Conservative Court Rules Against DeSantis

Illustration. Image credit: Depositphotos

In a recent significant legal development, DeSantis encountered a significant legal defeat at the hands of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, known for its conservative stance. The court ruled in favor of Andrew Warren, one of the district attorneys DeSantis had dismissed,

Free Speech Rights Affirmed

Illustration. Image by Depositphotos.com

The lawsuit filed by Warren claimed that his suspension by DeSantis was a retaliatory measure for exercising free speech. Warren’s legal plea was for the court to recognize the unconstitutionality of his suspension and to mandate his reinstatement by DeSantis. 

Political Alignment Aside

Illustration. Image credit: Shutterstock

This decision reaffirms that elected officials in Florida, such as Warren, maintain their right to free speech, regardless of their political alignment with the state leadership.

Electoral Victory in 2020

Illustration, Image credit: Depositphotos

Warren, representing the Democratic Party, was first elected as the state attorney for Hillsborough County in 2016 and was re-elected in 2020 with 53% backing from voters. His campaign focused on progressive reforms in the criminal justice system within the state attorney’s office.

Call for Criminal Justice Reform

Image by sashk0 via Depositphotos.com

Warren remarked to voters, “In the realm of criminal justice, we have problems that we need to address. How do we reduce gun violence? How do we make our system more efficient and keep our neighborhoods safe?”

Campaign Funding Source Raises Questions

Image by Depositphotos.com

Warren acknowledges the possibility that he may have indirectly benefited from George Soros’ funding during his campaigns. 

Possible Indirect Funding

Illustration. Image by Feverpitch via Depositphotos.com

He said, “We think so. We understand that he gave money to the state (Democratic) party.  And the state party money … went to support different candidates. And I have very little insight into the amount of money he gave, who it went to, etc.”

Removing Warren

Illustration. Image credit: wirestock_creators via Depositphotos

Flashback to last May, when DeSantis initiated his presidential run in Iowa. He highlighted his decision to suspend Warren for failing to enforce Florida’s abortion laws. “I removed him from his post,” he proclaimed. “He is gone.” 

Bringing the Office “Back to Basics” 

Businessman writing on paper notes, to communicate with colleagues in the background
Photo by Depositphotos.com

Subsequently, DeSantis appointed former county judge Susan Lopez, who stated in August, “I was asked to bring this office back to basics.” Warren filed a lawsuit in response, arguing that his suspension was a violation of his freedom of speech and, thus, an illegitimate reason for his removal. 

State Law Breach

Illustration. Image by Depositphotos.com

About a year earlier, a judge found DeSantis in breach of state law but noted the federal court’s lack of authority to act.

A Video Message to Supporters

Illustration. Image by Depositphotos.com

Warren decided to appeal the decision, stating in a video released on Monday, “Ron DeSantis broke our democracy, and it’s fragile, too important to let him do it again. So, I’ll take one for the team and not run as I continue to challenge the illegal suspension in court and fight to serve out my term on behalf of the community, who re-elected me.”

Anti-Woke Stance

Illustration. Image credit: Shutterstock

This anti-woke stance has largely defined his campaign for the Republican nomination. DeSantis hasn’t been shy about showcasing himself as a prominent figure in cultural battles, taking pride in his triumphs over “woke dragons.” 

“We reject the woke ideology” 

Illustration. Image credit: Depositphotos

This self-promotion was evident in his victory speech following his 2022 re-election as governor, where he stood in front of a banner that read “Freedom Lives Here” in Florida, stating, “We reject woke ideology.”

Ongoing Commitment

Illustration. Image by Depositphotos.com

He then detailed his ongoing efforts to combat it in legislatures, schools, and corporations, promising never to yield to the “woke mob.”

A Battle Against the “Woke Mob” 

Image by thenews2.com via Depositphotos.com

Throughout his bid for the presidency, DeSantis has frequently echoed these statements, notably in his inaugural address for a second term. 

Fighting Back

Illustration. Image credit: zhukovsky via Depositphotos

In debate after debate over the past several months, he has criticized his opponents for their failure to “stand up and fight back against what the left is doing to this country” while highlighting his multiple triumphs over the woke mob.

Highlights of DeSantis’ Tenure as Governor

Image by Lakshmiprasad via Depositphotos.com

Among these victories, DeSantis cites successes against the teachers union regarding school choice, confrontations with Dr. Anthony Fauci on COVID policies, and actions against George Soros by removing two of his alleged radical district attorneys. 

More from AllThingsFinance: Court Finally Unseals Secretive Case of Jan 6 Offender

Image by Gallagher Photography / Shutterstock.com

Samuel Lazar sentenced for Jan. 6 insurrection; previously confidential case now revealed: Court Finally Unseals Secretive Case of Jan 6 Offender

Jack Smith continues pushing Judge Cannon, reminding her that “the speedy trial clock” is ticking

Image by palinchak via Depositphotos.com

Jack Smith urges Judge Aileen Cannon for a speedy trial in a classified documents case involving ex-President Trump: Jack Smith continues pushing Judge Cannon, reminding her that “the speedy trial clock” is ticking

Defamation lawsuit against Kari Lake advances while people compare her to Rudy Giuliani

Image by lev radin / Shutterstock.com

Kari Lake loses First Amendment right to accuse Maricopa County recorder; Arizona Republic ponders if she’s channeling Rudy Giuliani in her sleep : Defamation lawsuit against Kari Lake advances while people compare her to Rudy Giuliani

More Democrats are flipping in a crucial swing state than Republicans

Image by palinchak via Depositphotos.com

In Pennsylvania, a significant number of registered Democrats flipping is sending an unflattering signal to President Biden: More Democrats are flipping in a crucial swing state than Republicans