Kathleen Smith, the incumbent Republican, has been reelected as public defender for the 20th Judicial Circuit.
Smith will serve her fifth term overseeing the judicial circuit that covers Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties.
Smith, who did not face opposition by the April 20 qualification deadline.
Then-Gov. Charlie Crist appointed her to the post in 2008 before she won her first election the same year.
Smith, who has worked for the office 36 years, was named to the position on Feb. 14, 2008, when Crist appointed her to fill the slot vacated by Robert Jacobs.
Jacobs died of complications from a stroke in late December 2007.
Smith, the then-top deputy public defender, had been a supervisor in the office for 13 years, overseeing the misdemeanor, juvenile, felony, mental health, and drug court divisions.
The responsibilities of the public defender are to provide legal representation for individuals accused of a crime who cannot afford to hire a private attorney, advocating for the best possible outcome in court.
The position pays $190,000 annually. Smith declined a request for an interview by publication.
Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@usatodayco.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran, Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews and Bluesky @tomasfrodriguez.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Kathleen Smith reelected a public defender, will serve fifth term
Reporting by Tomas Rodriguez, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Naples Daily News
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