Andrea DeMichael lands huge slate of Central Florida endorsements in circuit Judge bid

More than 20 local elected officials spanning Florida’s 10th Judicial Circuit are endorsing Andrea DeMichael for Circuit Court Judge in Group 24, ranging from City Council and Commission members to County Commissioners and constitutional officers.

DeMichael faces one opponent in the race, Candice Nixon. The 10th Circuit serves Hardee, Highlands and Polk counties, including nearly 729,000 residents.

“I am deeply grateful for the endorsement and support of these respected law enforcement leaders and local elected officials. Their trust underscores a shared commitment to the rule of law and to a judiciary that is fair, impartial, and grounded in the Constitution,” DeMichael said.

“As a judicial candidate, I believe a judge’s duty is to faithfully apply the United States Constitution, the Florida Constitution, and the laws enacted by our Legislature — not to rewrite them based on personal views. The same legal standards should apply to everyone, every time. I am committed to a courtroom that is balanced, professional, and even handed (that) protects individual rights and reinforces the principle that justice depends on the law and the facts, not on status or influence.”

DeMichael’s endorsers include:

— State Fraternal Order of Police

— Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman

— Hardee County Sheriff Vent Crawford

— Polk County Commission Chair Martha Santiago

— Polk County Commission Vice Chair Bill Braswell

— Polk County School Board Vice Chair Travis Keyes

— Frostproof City Council member Adam W. Greenway 

— Frostproof City Council member Austin Gravely

— Lakeland City Commissioner Ashley Troutman

— Winterhaven City Commissioner Chad Davis

— Mulberry City Commission Vice Mayor Neil Devine

— Mulberry City Commissioner Dawn McDonald

— Highlands City Commissioner Kevin Robers

— Lakeland City Commissioner Mike Musick

— Lakeland City Commissioner Terry Coney

— Bartow City Commissioner Trish Pfeiffer

— Auburndale City Commissioner Travis Avery

— Davenport City Commission Mayor Donna Fellows-Coffey

— Dundee Town Commission Mayor Joe Garrison

— Lakeland City Commission Mayor Pro Tem Guy LaLonde Jr.

— Former State Attorney Jerry Hill

DeMichael has more than 16 years of legal experience as a trial lawyer, former prosecutor and law firm owner. She was born and raised in Polk County and has spent her career in Florida courtrooms.

DeMichael is also a military spouse, and was previously stationed with her husband in San Diego where she was recognized for her advocacy on behalf of domestic violence survivors.

She has served in leadership roles with the Florida Bar, including as Chair of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. She’s running on a platform centered on following the law and exercising judicial restraint while delivering equal justice under the law.

DeMichael has raised nearly $16,000 for her judicial bid, and loaned her campaign another $15,000. Her opponent has raised just $1,000 for the race, and added a $10,000 loan.