Long-time defense attorney Gregg Lerman and Chief Assistant State Attorney Alexcia Cox are both vying to become Palm Beach County’s next state attorney. The two candidates have cited crimes against the elderly, the opioid epidemic, and gun violence as key issues that need to be addressed by the next leader of the office.
Lerman, who has been practicing criminal defense law for 38 years, announced his candidacy in May, anticipating that the three-term incumbent Dave Aronberg would not seek re-election. Lerman previously ran for Palm Beach County judge in 2016. During his announcement, Lerman acknowledged the good work done by the office but emphasized the need for improvement.
Cox, on the other hand, declared her candidacy in June and is seeking to become the first woman and the first African American to hold the position of Palm Beach County’s top prosecutor. She currently oversees prosecutors in the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office and has 16 years of experience working in various divisions of the office. Cox aims to create an elder-abuse task force and expand special-victims and domestic-violence units if elected. She also wants to establish regional community advisory boards to address the diverse needs and concerns of different parts of the county.
Both candidates have filed as Democrats, meaning the election will be decided in the August 2024 primary unless other party or independent candidates enter the race. The winner of the primary will advance to the general election in November.
Crimes against the elderly are a top priority for both Lerman and Cox. Lerman highlighted the issue of elderly citizens being defrauded and expressed his intention to investigate and prosecute such cases. Cox plans to establish a prosecutor overseeing cases involving crimes against the elderly and wants to provide resources for victims to continue living in society.
Lerman also expressed concerns about the opioid epidemic and gun violence in the county, emphasizing the need for better prosecution and addressing these issues more effectively.
While Lerman has previously run for office but narrowly lost, his opponent Santino faced misconduct issues and was removed from the bench. This history may influence the voters in the upcoming election.
As of now, no other candidates have officially announced their candidacy for the state attorney position. The filing deadline for the election is in April 2024.
In conclusion, Palm Beach County’s next state attorney race is heating up with defense attorney Gregg Lerman and Chief Assistant State Attorney Alexcia Cox vying for the position. Both candidates have identified crimes against the elderly, the opioid epidemic, and gun violence as key challenges facing the office. The winner of the Democratic primary in August 2024 will have a chance to become the first woman and the first African American to hold the position.
