ORLANDO, Fla. – Candidate Melissa Vickers won Tuesday against Lenora Easter during the Florida Statewide Primary race for Public Defender of the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
The race was a universal primary, meaning voters could vote in the primary election for that office regardless of party affiliation. After the votes were tallied, Vickers came out on top with over 60% of the vote.
Recommended Videos
The Ninth Circuit covers Orange and Osceola Counties. The seat is open because longtime Public Defender Robert Wesley is retiring.
The public defender has an important role in the justice system. They oversee the lawyers who represent people who can’t afford a lawyer in criminal cases, involuntary mental health commitments, and juvenile cases.
[RELATED: Florida election voting guide]
Votes
%
Melissa Vickers (D)
Lenora Easter (D)
(395 / 400)
The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed this right in Gideon v. Wainwright, a Florida-based case where the defendant was denied an attorney because in Florida public defenders were only permitted for poor people charged with capital offenses.
The Supreme Court ruled that the state violated the defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to counsel, which was applicable through the due process clause of the 14th Amendment.
In addition, the Ninth Circuit office also works to reduce recidivism by connecting clients with programs to deal with issues like substance abuse.
Both candidates are Democrats.
LENORA EASTER - Campaign Website
According to Easter’s website, she was inspired to run from the years she spent as a public defender in Florida and New York, saying she is “determined to redefine how our county approaches public defense.”
She highlights three topics on her site as pillars of her candidacy. They are:
- Collaborative Defense
- Community Engagement
- Financial Management
MELISSA VICKERS - Campaign Website
Vickers said she has worked in every aspect of the Public Defender’s Office over a 21-year span, including as the chief assistant.
“There is not anyone that possesses a deeper understanding of the office’s operations, the people that comprise the team, and the solemn oath we are sworn to uphold than myself,” her website states.