Monique Worrell wins Orange-Osceola state attorney race

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Monique Worrell will be the next state attorney representing Orange and Osceola counties.

The Democrat defeated independent challenger Jose Torroella.

WATCH: WFTV Debate for State Attorney’s Office of the Ninth District: Jose Torroella and Monique Worrell

Worrell will replace outgoing State Attorney Aramis Ayala who chose not to seek another term in office. Ayala’s tenure was marked with controversy after she announced in 2017, months into being sworn into office, that she would not seek the death penalty in murder cases.

Worrell, who won the primary election in August, previously worked as a criminal justice attorney.

READ: Candidate to replace State Attorney Aramis Ayala hired for job at office prior to election

Last month ahead of the general election, Ayala hired Worrell to fill an open position in the state attorney’s office.

“After ongoing recruitment by the state attorney’s office to fill an open position in the conviction integrity unit, Ms. Worrell was hired on October 21, 2020, as an assistant state attorney because of her experience in, and proven commitment to, conviction integrity,” Ayala said in a statement.

READ: ‘Time for me to move forward’: State Attorney Aramis Ayala won’t run for re-election

Ayala backed Worrell to be her successor.

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