Governor Ron DeSantis publicly rebuked the Palm Beach County Republican Party on Tuesday for including suspended Clerk of Court Mike Caruso in its recently released voter guide. DeSantis called the endorsement “ridiculous,” noting that while Caruso is presumed innocent until proven guilty, a political party should not automatically back a candidate facing serious criminal allegations.
DeSantis’ rationale
DeSantis, who appointed Caruso to the clerk’s office and suspended him shortly after his August arrest, said the party’s blanket support ignored the gravity of the charges. “Just as you’re innocent till proven guilty in a criminal matter, that does not mean a political party should just support someone by default,” the governor explained. He added, “Sometimes you just got to do the right thing,” and concluded that endorsing Caruso under the circumstances was a mistake.
Caruso’s status on the ballot
Despite the governor’s criticism and the local party’s removal of Caruso from the updated guide, his name remains on the November 3 ballot as the Republican nominee for Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. Caruso, who faces five felony charges—including kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, and child abuse—has pleaded not guilty and maintains his innocence. He told supporters, “My name is on the November ballot, and I intend to win this election.”
Party response
The Palm Beach County Republican Party quickly issued a revised voter guide that omits Caruso’s name. The state Republican Party also announced it had withdrawn its support for Caruso after his arrest and urged him to withdraw from the race, a request he has refused.
Election context
Caruso will face Democrat Yvette Drucker in the November contest. The race has drawn heightened attention because of the serious nature of the pending criminal case and the broader question of how parties should handle candidates under indictment.
DeSantis on the legal process
While emphasizing that the criminal case must run its course, DeSantis said, “These are very, very serious potential charges, and the process will work out.” He stressed that the presumption of innocence does not equate to political endorsement, stating, “Why would you want to be doing an endorsement under those circumstances?”
Local GOP leaders have not indicated whether they will take further action regarding Caruso’s candidacy, but the governor’s remarks signal a clear stance that party support should be contingent on a candidate’s legal standing.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
