In a new announcement, Governor-elect Ron DeSantis has unveiled that Mike Ertel, Seminole County’s Supervisor of Elections, will be the sunshine state’s new Secretary of State.
He had long been rumored to take on the position considering that, among being in charge of other tasks, the Secretary of State will be Florida’s chief elections officer. And, Ertel has made it clear that he is passionate about voters’ rights and make sure that the election process maintains its integrity.
In a statement, Governor-elect DeSantis praised Ertel, saying that “As Supervisor of Elections in Seminole County – where he has been elected by voters four times – Mike has proven that he is vastly qualified to lead the state’s elections efforts as Secretary of State, and will strive to ensure that Florida voters are confident that elections continue to be fair and accurate.”
The Governor-elect also added that he looks “forward to Mike bringing not only his elections expertise to Florida voters but his steady leadership to the Department of State, as it seeks to improve the quality of life for all Floridians through its various activities, including preserving the state’s historical and cultural heritage; maintaining an open government by providing all Florida citizens access to information; and, enhancing Florida communities through business-friendly grant programs.”
The choice has also earned bipartisan praise.
Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith, an Orlando Democrat, spoke highly of Ertel, saying that Ertel is “a good, qualified choice – an upgrade from current leadership.”
Smith also added that he and Ertel “may not agree on everything, but he’s not a Republican hack; he’s reasonable.” And, Smith added that he wants to see Ertel use “his influence to thwart any Amendment 4 [felon voting rights] shenanigans” while being “open to the common-sense elections reforms Florida desperately needs. I look forward to working with him.”
