Palm Beach Republicans Withdraw Endorsement of Indicted Michael Caruso

The Republican Party of Palm Beach County removed suspended Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Michael Caruso from its official voter guide and social media posts after high-ranking state officials condemned the initial endorsement. Caruso faces five felony counts, including kidnapping, child abuse, and lewd or lascivious molestation, following an August 18 arrest.

Governor Ron DeSantis, who suspended Caruso from office, described the local party's initial support as "ridiculous" and "disappointing." U.S. Senator Rick Scott called the situation "disgusting" and demanded that Caruso immediately withdraw from the race. State Republican Chair Evan Power also distanced the statewide organization from the local party's initial actions.

Chairman Carl Cascio stated the party originally listed all nominees as required by Florida Statute but purged Caruso's name as soon as it was legally permitted. Cascio noted the removal was necessary to protect other Republican candidates from being maligned as "pedo protectors." Former gubernatorial candidate James Fishback criticized the initial endorsement as an act of "hypocrisy."

Despite the loss of party support and his suspension, Caruso maintains his innocence and refuses to leave the race. He remains on the November 3 ballot, where he is running against Boca Raton City Councilmember Yvette Drucker.