Having completed the Florida Amendment Series, I’ve received numerous requests to address additional elections. I’ve long held a policy of not endorsing candidates, though I understand the importance of every election and the need for good information to make informed decisions. As a result, I’m expanding my coverage of elections starting with a question all Floridians will be asked. Should we retain Carlos Muniz for Florida’s Supreme Court?
After being appointed to Florida’s Supreme Court by Governor DeSantis less than two years ago, Justice Muniz is running to retain his position. He was the third selection to Florida’s Supreme Court by Governor DeSantis in January of 2019. At the time of his nomination, I shared a bit about his personal background. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, he’s married and a father and his home-schools his children. Muniz graduated with a B.A. from the University of Virginia and obtained his law degree from Yale and was the Editor of the Yale Law Journal. He is also a member of the Federalist Society and served as a Civil Rights Analyst for the Department of Justice. Carlos has served as a policy director for the Republican Party of Florida and volunteers/supports the Open Door’s Women’s clinic in Tallahassee (pro-life pregnancy center).
As for his professional background, Carlos Muniz served as Counsel to Governor Jeb Bush and was General Counsel to the Florida Department of Financial Services. He was also the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Florida House of Representatives and was Florida’s Deputy Attorney General and Chief of Staff. As if that wasn't enough, Carlos was a partner and Senior Vice President of McGuire Woods Consulting. Lastly, he served as General Counsel for the US Department of Education, appointed by President Trump. Carlos practices all kinds of law from business and civil litigation to criminal, entertainment, arts and sports, and family.
You might have picked up on his role advising the Republican Party along with homeschooling and his work within the pro-life community. Carlos Muniz can probably be best described as a rock-solid conservative. Since assuming the court his stock in conservative/originalist circles has only risen. Notably, like another DeSantis Supreme Court pick Barbara Lagoa, he’s on President Trump’s list of potential United States Supreme Court judges. If you believe in originalists on the court, Muniz is your clear choice. One might imagine that a state Supreme court Justice being considered for the United States Supreme Court has effectively carried out their duties. That’s the case with Justice Muniz. I recommend a Yes vote to retain Carlos Muniz.
Photo by: CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images