❓WHAT HAPPENED: A Florida judge made hundreds of political donations totaling around $29,000 to Democrat-aligned organizations or candidates, violating judicial ethics rules.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Judge Diana Tennis and the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Donations were made since 2016; the case was filed at the Florida Supreme Court on Tuesday.
💬KEY QUOTE: “Judge Tennis admitted to her misconduct and has cooperated with the Commission in all respects during this inquiry. She has expressed deep regret that her conduct could have eroded the public’s perception of the integrity of the judiciary and judicial elections.” – Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission
🎯IMPACT: The case raises concerns about judicial impartiality, and the Florida Supreme Court will determine whether to approve a recommended public reprimand.
A Florida judge is facing disciplinary action for illicit political contributions barred under state ethics rules. According to a filing made earlier this week, Judge Diana Tennis made over 900 donations totaling approximately $29,000 to Democrat-aligned organizations and candidates. These donations, according to the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission, violated judicial ethics rules outlined in Canons 1, 2A, and 7A (1)(e), which prohibit judges from making political contributions.
The commission noted that while other judges have made political donations, Tennis was described as “far and away the most prolific offender” in both the number of contributions and the total amount given. The organizations and campaigns receiving her donations included Democratic congressional candidates, pro-abortion PACs, and Joe Biden‘s presidential campaign.
Tennis expressed remorse for her actions, claiming that she misunderstood the rules and believed the prohibition only applied to state-level candidates. She also stated that some donations were unintentionally authorized as recurring payments or split into multiple entries by platforms or committees. Despite her explanations, the commission emphasized that her actions could undermine public trust in the judiciary.
In light of her cooperation and lack of prior disciplinary history, the commission recommended a public reprimand. “Judge Tennis admitted to her misconduct and has cooperated with the Commission in all respects during this inquiry. She has expressed deep regret that her conduct could have eroded the public’s perception of the integrity of the judiciary and judicial elections,” the commission said in its filing.
The Florida Supreme Court will now review and approve the recommendation. If accepted, Tennis will receive a public reprimand. If rejected, the case could proceed to a full hearing before the Judicial Qualifications Commission.
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