Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney Jim Lewis has filed his intention to run for Florida Attorney General as a Democrat in the 2026 Statewide election. Lewis previously sought the position of Florida Attorney General in 2010 as an independent candidate against now U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, running on a platform that included decriminalizing marijuana possession. He ran again in 2022 as a Democratic challenger to Florida Attorney General, and now U.S. Senator Ashley Moody. 

“I’m not a politician, and my track record in previous elections proves that” Lewis stated. “However, I cannot stay silent and watch Republican incumbent James Uthmeier abuse the office to which he was appointed, dragging our state down in so many ways.”

 Lewis acknowledged that winning a statewide race as a Democrat will not be easy but said the qualifications and performance of current Attorney General Ultmeier makes the effort both possible and necessary. 

Lewis is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, holding a B.A. in Criminal Justice and Public Administration. He earned his law degree in 1980 from the State University College of Law. He has also served as an adjunct law professor at Nova University for more than 20 years. 

His previous legal employment includes: 

*  Assistant State Attorney, Orange County (1981–1984) 

*  Special Prosecutor, Statewide Grand Jury (1984–1985) – appointed by Gov. Bob Graham 

*  Assistant Statewide Prosecutor, Florida Attorney General’s Office (1986–1992) 

Since 1992, Lewis has worked as a criminal defense trial lawyer based in Fort Lauderdale. He has tried more than 200 criminal jury trials, including numerous high-profile cases in both state and federal courts. He has handled over 20 first-degree murder cases, several of which involved the death penalty. He has appeared before the Supreme Court of Florida and is a member of the Bar of the United States Supreme Court. 

Lewis explained that one of his motivations for seeking office is to stop Florida’s participation in the mass deportation of non-criminal immigrants. “Too many hardworking immigrants who have lived in our state for decades, most with no criminal record, and who pay taxes, are being deported, leaving behind their families and children. We are losing farmers, construction workers, senior-care workers, and many others whose labor is essential to our economy.”

 He also criticized Attorney General Uthmeier for what Lewis described as mismanagement and corruption, including the creation of the “Alligator Alcatraz” project, which Lewis called a multimillion-dollar blunder that endangered the Everglades ecosystem while funneling taxpayer money to politically connected private contractors. Lewis also referenced controversies connected to Uthmeier’s prior roles, including time as Chief of Staff to Governor Ron DeSantis, and matters related to the Hope Florida Foundation, which Lewis noted is under investigation by multiple agencies. He additionally cited concerns about conflicts of interest arising from Uthmeier’s lobbying work with the Gray Robinson law firm. 

Lewis added that he is “extremely disappointed” in what he sees as Uthmeier’s lack of commitment to protecting Florida’s environment and wildlife, criticizing his support for bear hunts and characterizing him as aligned with the “right-wing MAGA agenda” of President Donald Trump and Governor DeSantis. Lewis argued that Uthmeier is unqualified for the office due to having no prosecutorial or trial experience as an attorney. 

“Ultmeier has demonstrated repeatedly that the office he holds is for sale to wealthy donors and special interests.” 

Lewis stated that Florida needs an Attorney General “who actually reads books instead of trying to burn them.” 

He continued: “I want to return the Office of the Attorney General to serving the people, not the powerful. I want to lock up criminals, not immigrants who have done nothing wrong and are essential to our economy and way of life. I will fight for a woman’s right to choose and for every child to have enough food to eat and access to a proper education.” 

Lewis also criticized recent U.S. actions in the Caribbean involving the destruction of Venezuelan vessels. “It’s only a matter of time before an innocent person is killed,” he said. “ We have the ability to stop and board these vessels without killing everybody on board.” 

“I want to be Florida’s chief protector of our environment and wildlife. I want to help our police protect us from criminals and ensure equal justice for everyone. I want to provide opportunities for people who want to learn and work to make our state a better place. I want my grandchildren to grow up in a state they can be proud of, one that cares for everyone who lives here, and is led by people who cannot be bought.” 

Lewis noted that he previously worked eight years in the Office of Statewide Prosecution and expressed concern about what he called the political manipulation of the office today. 

 Lewis lives in Fort Lauderdale, is divorced, and has 4 grown children and two granddaughters. He grew up in Orlando and is a graduate of Orlando Edgewater High School. 

“I look forward to a constructive Democratic primary contest with Jose Javier Rodriguez, whom I have yet to meet but have heard good things about. Hopefully, this primary, and any additional candidates who choose to join, will bring much-needed attention to the race to unseat Uthmeier.” 

Campaign Motto: Jim Lewis, not a politician, but a prosecutor, a professor, and hopefully a protector of all that is good in the great state of Florida.