Suzy Lopez, appointed by DeSantis, files to run for Hillsborough County state attorney

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (FLV) – Hillsborough County’s State Attorney Susan “Suzy” Lopez filed to run for her current position in 2024 after after Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed her to the position in August 2022.

DeSantis appointed Lopez and suspended State Attorney Andrew Warren over claims he neglected to do his job and vowed not to enforce certain abortion laws or potential laws related to sex change operations. 

Warren attempted to be reinstated, but his efforts were denied by the Florida Supreme Court, which said the Florida Senate has the authority to review the governor’s suspension of an officer.

“I’m a prosecutor, not a politician, and this office will stay focused on prosecuting criminals, not partisan politics, as long as I’m in charge,” Lopez said in a press release.

In the release, Lopez’s campaign said she has “taken a more direct and active role in prosecuting criminals and finding justice for victims.”

“A former judge and Assistant State Attorney, Lopez is no stranger to the courthouse, crime scenes, or community events,” the press release said.

“The community needs to know that their State Attorney is only interested in finding justice and making certain those guilty of committing crimes pay their debt to our community. Victims of crime know Hillsborough County is safer today than it used to be in just under one year,” Lopez said.

Lopez leads a team of approximately 300 prosecutors and professional staff in the county, responsible for criminal prosecutions in the circuit, handling approximately 50,000 cases every year. 

Born and raised in Hillsborough County, Lopez is a graduate of H.B. Plant High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College and law degree from Suffolk University. Lopez worked as an attorney at the 2nd district court of appeal.

In 2005, Lopez became an assistant state attorney in the 13th Judicial Circuit Court. In December 2021, Lopez was appointed to serve as a county court judge.

In the pursuit of justice, Lopez believes “that crime victim advocacy should always remain in the forefront.”

Lopez said she personally meets with each homicide victim’s family to ensure they have the agency’s full support throughout the entire legal process. 

Currently, no one else has filed to run in the 13th circuit court, according to the Florida Division of Elections.