Judge's resignation sparks debate over DeSantis's judicial power
By Jeff Burlew
Published on April 20, 2026.
Leon Circuit Judge Angela Dempsey's sudden resignation from the Leon Circuit Judge in Tallahassee has sparked controversy over her sudden departure from the role due to family illness. Dempsey's resignation, effective Dec. 28, 2026, comes just before her current six-year term ends and means Gov. Ron DeSantis will choose her successor rather than voters in the November election. The timing of Dempsey’s resignation, which occurred just days before judicial qualifying, could have prevented an election or a lone candidate would have been automatically elected. The Leon County Democratic Party criticized the move, stating that two other circuit court races will remain on the ballot even as the Dempsey/Kaleko contest is removed.
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