ACLU Sues DeSantis Over Legislative Election Delays

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a lawsuit against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in Leon County, accusing him of failing to call special elections for two vacant legislative seats, thus violating his legal duty. The lawsuit aims to compel DeSantis to set election dates for the seats vacated by Rep. Joel Rudman and Sen. Randy Fine, who resigned to run for congressional seats. Constituents in these districts currently lack representation, which could extend through a significant portion of the 2025 legislative session. The ACLU argues that DeSantis’s inaction is inconsistent with past governors who acted promptly in similar situations, and this delay is seen as undemocratic. Plaintiffs Christina Forrest and Janet Laimont emphasize the importance of immediate representation for their respective communities. The lawsuit seeks a writ of mandamus to ensure special elections are held, maintaining that such elections are a statutory requirement.