Incumbent Bruce Bartlett wins Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney race

Republican incumbent Bruce Bartlett won the race for Pinellas-Pasco state attorney on Tuesday evening over former assistant public defender and Democratic candidate Allison Miller.

With all of Pinellas precincts and Pasco precincts reporting results, Bartlett had about 59% of the votes tallied.

Reached by phone, Bartlett thanked the voters of Pinellas and Pasco counties.

“They made it clear that their No. 1 priority is the safety of their families and them,” he said.

Miller could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.

The election was the first contested race for Pinellas-Pasco state attorney in 30 years. It came on the heels of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ removal of Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren, who had pledged not to prosecute abortions or gender-affirming care. Bartlett said he agreed with DeSantis’ decision and felt Warren’s actions were out of line. Meanwhile, Miller condemned the removal. Many of her campaign promises mirrored Warren’s approach to criminal justice.

The previous Pinellas-Pasco state attorney, Bernie McCabe, was elected in 1992 after facing off against another prosecutor. McCabe did not face any other challengers for the next 28 years and died in office. Bartlett served as his chief assistant — the second-highest position in the office — during McCabe’s entire tenure. After McCabe’s death, DeSantis appointed Bartlett as Pinellas-Pasco state attorney on Jan. 21, 2021.

Later that year, Miller announced her candidacy. She said she wanted to bring change to an office that she felt was in need of modernization. Miller campaigned on a progressive platform, pledging to change how low-level crimes were prosecuted.

On the campaign trail, Bartlett promoted a law-and-order approach to prosecution, though he highlighted his role in developing a mental health court and a DUI diversion program as state attorney.

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