Andrew Bain
Andrew Bain (independent) was the Florida Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. He assumed office in 2023. He left office on January 7, 2025.
Bain (No Party Affiliation) ran for re-election for Florida Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Bain completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Andrew Bain was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He earned a high school diploma from Blanche Ely High School, a bachelor's degree from the University of Miami in 2006, and a law degree from the Florida A&M University College of Law in 2013. His career experience includes working as a district attorney.[1]
2024 battleground election
Ballotpedia identified the Nov. 5, 2024, State attorney election in Orange County, Florida, as a battleground race. The summary below is from our coverage of this election, found here.
Former state attorney Monique Worrell (D) defeated incumbent Andrew Bain (independent) in the general election for Florida's Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney, which encompasses all of Orange County, Florida, on November 5, 2024.
The election took place after Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) removed Worrell from office in August 2023 and appointed Bain in her place. DeSantis suspended Worrell, claiming she failed to pursue minimum mandatory sentences for criminals and did not fully prosecute both adults and juveniles who later went on to commit other crimes.[2] The Florida Supreme Court upheld the suspension after Worrell filed a lawsuit in which she claimed DeSantis did not have a legal basis for removing her from office.[3] Worrell said, "This is simply a smokescreen for Ron DeSantis’ failing and disastrous presidential campaign. He needed to get back in the media in some positive way that would be red meat for his base."[2]
Bain received a bachelor's degree from the University of Miami in 2006 and a J.D. from the Florida A&M University College of Law in 2013. Bain worked as a district attorney and assistant state attorney in the Ninth Judicial Circuit before being appointed to fill a vacancy on the Orange County Court in 2020. Following his appointment, Bain served the duration of the term and won election to the seat in 2022.[4] Bain left the court in 2023 after DeSantis appointed him to replace Worrell as the Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney.[4]
On his campaign website, Bain said he would "fight for justice, for the victims, their families and for our neighborhoods. That is what I’m fighting for every day. No one is above the law, and the law should be applied without bias or prejudice."[5] Bain’s campaign website also said during his time in office, he addressed a shortage of experienced prosecutors, implemented the violent crimes unit, handled cases for the violent offenders, reinstated minimum mandatory sentencing for violent offenders, developed community partnerships providing criminal justice solutions, launched diversion programs, and integrated on-site crisis counseling to victims.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag
On her campaign website, Worrell said she would prioritize public safety, diligently serve victims, reduce crime and incarceration, and work to improve public trust in the government. Worrell said, "I made a promise to fight crime at its root and to stop the school to prison pipeline that turns hope into despair and turns children into convicted criminals. We are in for a fight against a broken system and those who don’t want it to change. It’s a fight I’m confident we can win."[6]
The Florida ninth circuit state attorney is the chief prosecutor for Florida's Ninth Judicial Circuit, which includes Orange County and its incorporated cities, including Orlando. According to the state attorney office’s website, the ninth circuit state attorney "serves the nearly 1.9 million residents of Orange and Osceola counties and many of the 70 million tourists who visit Central Florida every year. Our primary role is to represent the State of Florida in criminal court. Our responsibilities include reviewing criminal investigations, determining charges and prosecuting cases involving felony, misdemeanor, criminal traffic and juvenile delinquency. As the third-largest of Florida’s 20 judicial circuits, the Ninth Circuit State Attorney’s Office receives roughly 60,000 cases annually from law enforcement."[7]
A state attorney is an official elected to serve as the lead prosecutor for a specific jurisdiction. The office's responsibilities include managing the jurisdiction's prosecutors, setting department-wide guidelines for prosecutors to follow, and direct management of individual high-profile prosecutions. Prosecutors are responsible for deciding whether to bring criminal charges, prosecuting certain cases, and recommending a sentence in the event a defendant is found guilty. This office is equivalent to the positions of district attorney, state's/commonwealth's attorney, county/city attorney, solicitor, circuit attorney, or prosecuting attorney found in other jurisdictions.
Orange County also held elections for clerk of courts, comptroller, property appraiser, public defender, sheriff, state attorney, supervisor of elections, tax collector, county commission, soil and water conservation district, circuit court judges, and county court judges. Click here for more on those elections.
Elections
2024
See also: Municipal elections in Orange County, Florida (2024)
General election
General election for Florida Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney
Monique Worrell defeated incumbent Andrew Bain in the general election for Florida Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Monique Worrell (D) | 57.5 | 413,118 | |
| Andrew Bain (No Party Affiliation) | 42.5 | 305,486 | ||
| Total votes: 718,604 | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Seth Hyman (R)
Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Monique Worrell advanced from the Democratic primary for Florida Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney.
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Florida Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney
Seth Hyman defeated Thomas Feiter in the Republican primary for Florida Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney on August 20, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Seth Hyman | 62.4 | 37,655 | |
| Thomas Feiter | 37.6 | 22,735 | ||
| Total votes: 60,390 | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
To view Bain's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Bain in this election.
2022
See also: Municipal elections in Orange County, Florida (2022)
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Orange County Court
Incumbent Andrew Bain won election outright against Jared Adelman in the primary for Orange County Court on August 23, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Andrew Bain (Nonpartisan) | 63.5 | 107,486 | |
| Jared Adelman (Nonpartisan) | 36.5 | 61,807 | ||
| Total votes: 169,293 | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
To view Bain's endorsements in the 2022 election, please click here.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Andrew Bain completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Bain's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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With deep roots in community service and a strong commitment to equity, Bain strives to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community, emphasizing transparency and effective administration within the criminal justice system. Born in Fort Lauderdale, Bain grew up with a sense of duty instilled by his pastor father. He graduated from Blanche Ely High School, played football at the University of Miami, and earned a degree in psychology and African American studies with honors. Bain obtained his law degree from Florida A&M University College of Law in 2013.
Before his current role, Bain served as an assistant state attorney in the Ninth Judicial Circuit for seven years, was appointed as a judge in June 2020, and held leadership roles with the Legal Aid Society of Osceola County and IDignity Osceola, Inc. He also taught at the Florida A&M University School of Law. Elected to the judgeship in 2022, Bain now focuses on restoring public safety, strengthening community ties, supporting victims, and collaborating with local organizations to prevent and deter crime.- In the race for State Attorney, results and prosecutorial experience truly matter when it comes to keeping the people of Orange and Osceola counties safe. Andrew A. Bain’s track record proves his commitment to justice and community safety. By holding violent offenders accountable, implementing effective crime prevention strategies, and fostering strong community relationships, Bain delivers tangible results that make a real difference. His experience and dedication ensure that public safety remains a top priority. Choose a proven leader who prioritizes results and the well-being of our communities.
- In the race for State Attorney, it's crucial to remember that politics do not keep the people of Orange and Osceola counties safe. Andrew A. Bain focuses on real, actionable results rather than political maneuvering. His commitment lies in effective law enforcement, proven crime prevention strategies, and genuine community engagement. Bain's track record demonstrates that safety is achieved through dedicated service and tangible actions, not political agendas. Choose a candidate who prioritizes real solutions over politics.
- In the race for State Attorney, it's essential to understand that prosecutorial discretion is not the same as veto power. Andrew A. Bain uses his discretion responsibly in line with the rule of law to ensure justice and safety for Orange and Osceola counties. This means making informed decisions on how to best prosecute cases while balancing the needs of public safety and fairness. He is the only candidate with the years of prosecution experience needed to develop the wisdom in using appropriate discretion. Bain’s approach focuses on results and effective crime prevention, rather than exercising unchecked power. Trust a leader who uses discretion to protect and serve the community effectively, not to impose personal agendas.
Transparency is crucial because it ensures that the official’s actions, decisions, and motivations are clear and open to public scrutiny. This openness builds trust and accountability, allowing constituents to understand and engage with the decision-making process. Transparent officials are committed to sharing information and making their actions and policies understandable and accessible to the public.
Candor involves honesty and straightforwardness. Elected officials must communicate openly about their goals, challenges, and the realities of their positions. Candor helps prevent misinformation and fosters a culture of trust and integrity. It also means being honest about mistakes and taking responsibility for them, which strengthens public confidence.
Courage is essential for facing difficult decisions and standing up for what is right, even in the face of opposition or personal risk. Courageous leaders are willing to tackle contentious issues and challenge the status quo when necessary. This bravery ensures that they can advocate for the needs of their constituents and make tough choices for the greater good, even when it’s unpopular.
Discernment is the ability to make sound judgments and decisions based on careful consideration and insight. Elected officials must analyze complex issues, weigh various perspectives, and foresee the potential impact of their decisions. Discernment ensures that they act in the best interest of their community, balancing short-term needs with long-term goals.
Adherence to the Rule of Law: Upholding the rule of law is paramount. This means ensuring that all legal proceedings are conducted fairly and in accordance with established legal principles. An elected State Attorney must be committed to impartiality, respecting legal rights, and applying the law consistently, without bias or favoritism.
Public Safety: Ensuring the safety of the community is a fundamental responsibility. This involves not only prosecuting crimes effectively but also working proactively to address the root causes of criminal behavior. A focus on public safety ensures that neighborhoods remain secure and that justice is served in a manner that protects all residents.
Ensuring Fair Treatment Under the Law: A core responsibility is to guarantee that every individual receives fair and equitable treatment within the justice system. This includes protecting the rights of victims, and defendants, ensuring a fair trial, and addressing any potential injustices. Fair treatment upholds the integrity of the legal system and reinforces public trust.
Seeing to the Well-being of Victims: It is crucial to support and advocate for victims of crime. This involves ensuring that victims' voices are heard, providing them with necessary resources and assistance, and prioritizing their needs throughout the legal process. Addressing the impact of crime on victims helps in achieving justice and aids in their recovery.
Additionally, Bain has grappled with the emotional toll of losing his teammate, Brian Pata, to gun violence. The tragedy of Pata's death and the sense of helplessness from not being there to support him have deeply affected Bain. These experiences have shaped his commitment to addressing violence and improving community safety, driving his dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Political Dark Money: The influence of political dark money poses a significant threat to democratic processes. Dark money refers to funds used to influence elections and policymaking that are not subject to full disclosure requirements. This lack of transparency undermines public trust and allows special interests to wield disproportionate influence over political decisions, often at the expense of the general public's needs and interests.
When powerful entities can anonymously fund political campaigns and influence policy decisions, it distorts democratic principles and compromises the integrity of the electoral process. This situation erodes the public's confidence in elected officials and the political system, as voters may feel that their voices are overshadowed by unseen and unaccountable interests.
Addressing the problem of dark money requires rigorous reforms to increase transparency in political financing. Implementing stricter disclosure requirements for political donations, closing loopholes that allow anonymous contributions, and promoting transparency in lobbying efforts are critical steps. These measures ensure that political contributions are traceable, making it harder for hidden interests to manipulate the political landscape.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2022
Andrew Bain completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Bain's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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- Continuing my promise, when I swore to be faithful to the law and fair to all.
- Transparency in the process creates great fairness in the process.
- Together we can create better justice.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate Florida Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 20, 2024
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Politico, "DeSantis suspends another elected prosecutor in move derided as ‘politically motivated’," August 9, 2024
- ↑ Tallahassee Democrat, "Florida Supreme Court upholds DeSantis' suspension of Orlando-area prosecutor," June 7, 2024
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 State Attorney Andrew A. Bain, Ninth Judicial Circuit, "Meet the State Attorney," accessed November 1, 2024
- ↑ Andrew Bain 2024 campaign website, "Home, accessed November 1, 2024
- ↑ Monique Worrell 2024 campaign website, "Home," accessed November 1, 2024
- ↑ State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit, "About," accessed November 1, 2024
