GOP Drops Caruso Guide
Palm Beach GOP Removes Voter Guide Post Featuring Embattled Candidate Mike Caruso
Anonymous
Palm Beach County Clerk Mike Caruso, appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2025, was suspended after his August arrest on felony charges including kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation and child abuse causing mental injury, stemming from allegations involving a male relative who was under 5. Caruso has pleaded not guilty, maintains his innocence and says he will remain on the November ballot, despite his campaign website being offline and reports of campaign refunds. The Palm Beach County Republican Party listed him as its nominee in an online voter guide, then took the post down after public backlash. DeSantis, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and state GOP chair Evan Power condemned the local party’s support and urged Caruso to withdraw; county chair Carl Cascio defended the party’s authority and duty to support nominees, citing Caruso’s plea and a judge’s finding that there was not a substantial probability he committed the alleged acts. The criminal allegations remain pending.
Key Points
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Caruso was released on $160,000 bail after his Aug. 18 arrest.
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In addition to the charges named in the summary, Caruso faces charges of lewd or lascivious exhibition and luring or enticing a child.
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The Miami Herald reported that Caruso’s first wife had previously accused him of sexually assaulting a child.
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According to Palm Beach County GOP chair Carl Cascio, the state party asked him to find a replacement candidate, and county election supervisors delayed ballot printing to give Republicans more time to do so; Caruso ultimately refused to withdraw.
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