"Federal Appeals Court Sides with Ousted Prosecutor in First Amendment Suit Against DeSantis"

A federal appeals court ruled in favor of former Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren, stating that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis violated Warren's First Amendment rights when he suspended him from office in 2022. The court found that DeSantis lacked probable cause to believe Warren neglected his duty or was incompetent and must prove that unprotected activity motivated the suspension. DeSantis' spokesman called the ruling an encroachment on state sovereignty, while Warren expressed relief and a commitment to protect democracy. The case has been remanded for reconsideration, and Warren has announced he's not seeking re-election as state attorney.