Palm Beach GOP Rescinds Endorsement of Clerk Accused of Child Molestation

The Republican Party of Palm Beach County has withdrawn its endorsement of Clerk of the Court Mike Caruso, who faces five felony counts of child molestation. State Republican leaders praised the decision.

Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Caruso from his appointed office in August following his arrest. DeSantis stated Tuesday that the local party made the correct decision by not endorsing a candidate facing such serious charges. He added that while Caruso is entitled to the presumption of innocence, a political party should not automatically back a candidate under these allegations.

Republican Party of Florida Chair Evan Power expressed his approval on social media, writing, "I appreciate the @PalmBeachGOP doing the right thing." U.S. Senator Rick Scott posted on X, "This is disgusting. Mike Caruso should IMMEDIATELY withdraw. The people of Palm Beach deserve better."

Caruso's name will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot. He is running to retain the position to which DeSantis had appointed him. Boca Raton City Councilmember Yvette Drucker is his opponent.

The Palm Beach County Republican Party stated on social media that their Voter Guide initially listed all Republican nominees as required by Florida Statute. "As soon as we were permitted to remove the nominee running for a constitutional office, we did," the party said.