Still No Word on SOE as Canvasing Board Prepares to Convene

BRADENTON — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has yet to appoint a replacement Supervisor of Elections following Mike Bennett's retirement, despite the fact that the canvassing board is set to convene at 1 p.m. today to issue permission for the office to begin counting ballots.

Bennett retired March 1 after serving more than 11 years in the office. In his resignation letter, he strongly endorsed his Chief of Staff, Scott Farrington, who has filed to run for the seat this fall.

Farrington is one of two applicants for the interim appointment. The other is District 1 Manatee County Commissioner James Satcher, whom DeSantis is said to face political pressure to appoint despite his complete lack of experience.

On Tuesday, DeSantis appointed Glen Gilzean as Supervisor of Elections in Orange County to fill the vacancy left by former supervisor Bill Cowles’ retirement in January. 

For more on both Satcher and Farrington, click here.