With just over 90% of votes counted in the Tampa State Attorney race, Lopez is projected to win with 52.7% of the vote, while Warren won 47.3%, according to the Associated Press.

Lopez was appointed to the position in August 2022 after suspending Warren, a progressive prosecutor who issued a public statement refusing to enforce certain state laws, including those related to abortion, which he publicly opposed opposite.

Throughout his campaign, Lopez touted his record not only as Hillsborough’s district attorney, but also for his tenure as Tampa’s Second District Court of Appeal and a judge in Hillsborough County.

“I am the only attorney in the state in over two decades to be officially deposed in a Florida state court. I am the only person in this race to ever try a case in criminal court on behalf of the people of Hillsborough County,” she said.

In 2020, Warren was re-elected as Hillsborough County Prosecutor, with the support of 53% of his voters. But in August 2022, DeSantis suspended him indefinitely because he indicated he would not enforce restrictions on abortion and gender therapy. The governor claimed Warren had “blatantly violated” her oath of office.

After his impeachment, Warren declared on January 8 that he would not run for re-election. But he changed course in April, announcing in a video that he was leading a campaign aimed at “keeping our neighborhoods safe,” criminal justice reform and upholding the rule of law without political bias.

Warren published a statement on Election Day, saying he was “proud of the race we ran.”

“The best candidate doesn’t always win, especially when the other side cheats – by suspending you illegally, then spending millions of dollars to lie about you. But today’s result doesn’t change the facts: I made Hillsborough safer, I improved the system, and I fought for our freedoms and our values. I only want what is best for our community, and I hope Ms. Lopez grows in this role to become an effective, independent State’s Attorney – not beholden to the governor or sheriff, but accountable to the people ” Warren said.

During her two years in office, Lopez sought to roll back several policies created by Warren and called for harsher penalties, such as the death penalty, for those convicted of serious crimes. In August 2024, Lopez’s office released statistics showing a decrease in crime in Hillsborough, such as a 15% decrease in sexual assaults and a 46% drop in robberies.

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Throughout her campaign, Lopez emphasized her dedication to public safety, victim advocacy and working with law enforcement.

Lopez’s victory marks a victory for voters who favored a prosecutorial approach aligned with state mandates and a preference for following established laws.