Lawyer Gregg Lerman wants to be your state attorney
There could be a race for the Palm Beach County job.
Seven years after Gregg Lerman lost a nasty judicial race that ended with the stunning removal of his opponent from office, the 62-year-old criminal defense attorney is ready to hit the campaign trail again.
This week, he filed papers to run for state attorney as a Democrat.
Unlike last time, when he was blasted by his opponent, Dana Santino, for defending “murderers, rapists, child molesters and other criminals,” Lerman said he plans to tout his life’s work.
“As a criminal defense attorney, I bring a better perspective to the table than even someone who works in the office,” Lerman said. “I have been dealing with domestic violence proceedings and the victims. I have been dealing with people being prosecuted as felons. On occasion, I have dealt with juvenile court matters and have also dealt with the appellate division.”
It’s still early. The move allows Lerman to begin raising money but formal qualifying for the job isn’t until April 22-26, 2024. The primary is Aug. 20, 2024, and the general election is Nov. 5.
Why it matters? State Attorney Dave Aronberg, a former state senator first elected state attorney in 2012, hasn’t had an opponent since.
Yes, but. Lerman doesn’t plan any attack ads against Aronberg, a Democrat, because he doesn’t expect Aronberg to run for a fourth term.
What’s Aronberg saying? He’s not ready to announce. “There is nothing to say at this point. Dave will make an announcement about his intentions in the near future,” spokesman Marc Freeman said in an email to Stet.
But if Aronberg doesn’t run … other attorneys may enter the race. “I’m trying to get out in front,” Lerman said. “I’m trying to clear the field and keep the pack from ever forming.”
A bit of history: After Santino beat Lerman in 2016 for a seat on the county bench, Lerman filed a complaint against her. A panel of the Judicial Qualifications Commission found she violated several rules of judicial conduct by denigrating the key role defense attorneys play in the criminal justice system. It recommended her removal and the Florida Supreme Court agreed. Santino became the first judge in county history to be removed from office.
You’re reading a story from Stet Media Group. Support Palm Beach County journalism in the public interest with a free or paid subscription.