On April 14, 2026, Leon Circuit Judge Angela Dempsey announced her resignation, a decision driven by the need to care for her mother, who is battling a serious degenerative medical condition. Her resignation will take effect on December 28, 2026, just before her six-year term is set to end. Dempsey has been a fixture on the bench since 2005, appointed originally by then-Governor Jeb Bush and later elected in 2008, with successful re-elections following, the most recent in 2020. In her resignation letter, she described her time on the bench as “an honor and a privilege,” underscoring the weight of her decision.
Governor Ron DeSantis will appoint her successor, thereby bypassing a public election that was scheduled for November 2026. This has raised eyebrows, especially among the Leon County Democratic Party, which criticized the timing of her resignation, suggesting it may be politically motivated. Dempsey’s resignation came just before the judicial qualifying period, which runs from April 20-24, 2026, adding fuel to the fire of speculation regarding her decision.
Political Implications and Reactions
Angela Dempsey’s resignation comes at a time when judicial races are under scrutiny. Prior to her resignation, she had raised nearly $59,000 for her re-election campaign. In contrast, her challenger, Talley Kaleko, raised nearly $120,000 in less than three weeks after filing to run on March 12, 2026. Kaleko expressed surprise at the sudden resignation and the subsequent removal of her race from the election website, though she has refrained from further comment.
Other judicial candidates supported by the Leon County Democratic Party, such as Stephanie Cager and Rashad Green, are gearing up for their own races against Republican-appointed judges. Cager is challenging Circuit Judge Jason Jones, while Green is up against Circuit Judge J. Lee Marsh. Kaleko, however, maintains that party affiliation should not dictate judicial races, emphasizing the importance of voters selecting qualified judges.
A Personal Decision
Dempsey’s resignation reflects a deeply personal choice, one that prioritizes family over her career. She has stated that her mother’s condition has worsened recently, prompting her to step away from her judicial duties. While she had looked forward to campaigning to retain her seat, the need to provide care for her mother took precedence. Dempsey has requested understanding and respect for her situation, highlighting the importance of family during difficult times.
As the community processes this unexpected announcement, the implications for the judicial system in Florida’s Second Judicial Circuit are significant. With Dempsey’s departure, many are left wondering how the governor’s appointment will shape the future of the bench and the ongoing political landscape.
For further details on this developing story, you can read more at Tallahassee.com and WCTV.tv.