Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala announced that she will not run for re-election in a Facebook video posted Tuesday morning.
“It’s time for me to move forward and continue the pursuit of justice in a different capacity,” she said.
Ayala took office in January 2017, making her the first African American state attorney in Florida.
That March she announced that she would not seek the death penalty in murder cases, which stirred controversy across the state.
"Under my administration, I will not be seeking death penalty in cases handled in my office, she stated."
That included the case of accused cop killer, Markeith Loyd, prompting many to call for her removal from office, and then-governor Rick Scott removed death penalty cases from her office.
"For the state attorney Ayala to say she's not going to pursue the death penalty is an outrage and every citizen should be outraged at her actions," Scott said.
Ayala said she will continue to serve until her term ends in 2020.
“It became abundantly clear to me that death penalty law in the state of Florida is in direct conflict with my view and my vision for the administration of justice,” Ayala said in her announcement video.
There are already two candidates, Republican Kevin Morenski and Democrat Ryan Williams, declared to run for her seat. Both say they'll pursue death penalty cases, taking politics out of office.
Former Chief Judge Belvin Perry told Channel 9 that he plans on entering the race as a Democrat in January.
Ayala has not yet announced what's next after she completes her term.
Watch her full annoucement video below:
Cox Media Group
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