Pete Antonacci, top election cop and longtime GOP official, dies of heart attack
RIP to Pete Antonacci, who died suddenly this weekend.

antonacci
His performance overseeing the 2020 election in Broward County helped earn him the new Director role.

Longtime government official Pete Antonacci, who was serving as the head of Florida’s new election police unit, has died after suffering a major heart attack.

Gov. Ron DeSantis had named Antonacci, who served multiple Republican administrations during his lengthy career, to lead the Office of Election Crimes and Security less than four months prior. The office is the Department of State’s new outfit to investigate election crimes and voter fraud, a mission that has drawn condemnation from Democrats and DeSantis’ critics.

He was reportedly in the Capitol Friday when he suffered a massive heart attack.

Casey and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Peter Antonacci, Director of the Office of Elections Crimes and Security,” DeSantis said in a statement. “He was a dedicated, tenacious and assiduous public servant, lawyer and respected professional — a friend to all in the State of Florida.”

Prior to being named Florida’s top elections cop in July, DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet appointed him as Director and Chief Judge of the state Division of Administrative Hearings in December 2020.

Before that, Antonacci was named Broward County Elections Supervisor in 2018 by then-Gov. Rick Scott and has held a series of high-level jobs, including Palm Beach County State Attorney, General Counsel to Scott and CEO of Enterprise Florida. He also served as the Executive Director of the South Florida Water Management District.

While he was largely known for his service during Republican administrations, he also worked alongside Democrats. He was a top aide to Democrat Bob Butterworth during his time as Attorney General.

“He vigilantly sought to uphold the law throughout his lengthy career as a deputy Attorney General, Statewide Prosecutor, General Counsel, Supervisor of Elections, and most recently as the newly appointed watchdog over Florida’s election security,” DeSantis continued. “His fighting passion will be missed, and his legacy will persist in the hearts and minds of many.”

Antonacci’s family has asked for privacy.

Scott appointed Antonacci as the Broward County Election Supervisor, succeeding Brenda Snipes after error-prone recounts in the 2018 Midterms. In that role, he oversaw the 2020 election locally, which was widely heralded as a smooth cycle across the state. His performance in 2020 helped earn him the title of Director of the investigations office, DeSantis said in July.

“Peter Antonacci has dedicated his career to serving the state of Florida,” DeSantis said at the time. “I am confident he will lead the Office of Election Crimes and Security with integrity and ensure that Florida’s elections are the most secure in the nation.”

DeSantis proposed the election fraud investigation office in November as an agency to specialize in complicated election law. The Legislature provided 15 positions and $1.1 million for the office, which they established as part of the latest election law overhaul (SB 524) signed by DeSantis in April.

The Office of Election Crimes and Security, which works closely with the Attorney General’s Office, issued its first arrests last month after accusing 20 felons of illegally voting in the 2020 election. Many of the individuals said they didn’t realize they had broken the law, sparking outrage from the Governor’s critics.

Antonacci became a direct part of the story less than a month ago, when POLITICO Florida’s Matt Dixon reported that he had told local election officials they faced no consequences for wrongfully clearing the felons to vote. However, a spokesperson for DeSantis’ office had previously suggested local officials should be held accountable.

Sources tell Florida Politics Antonacci died after walking out in the middle of a meeting with Secretary of State Cord Byrd and Deputy Chief of Staff to DeSantis Alex Kelly. Although the situation was reportedly heated, a source in the room said they expected Antonacci to return, but he never did.

Antonacci’s death comes as a shock to the Florida political world.

Here are reactions to Antonacci’s passing and tributes to his career:

Scott, now a U.S. Senator:

“Pete Antonacci was a dedicated public servant and a devoted family man. Ann and I are devastated to learn of his loss and are praying for his family, friends and the countless Floridians who knew and loved Pete as we did. Pete was a proud Floridian, raised in Hialeah, and devoted decades of his life to serving Florida families as a prosecutor, master of the law and leader. When it came to his work, Pete could get anything done. From his time as my General Counsel in the Governor’s Office, to being the Broward County Supervisor of Elections, Pete worked hard, with total integrity, and knew how to bring people together and solve problems. I was honored to call him a friend and proud to work with him. Pete will be terribly missed, but leaves behind a remarkable legacy of honorable service to our great State of Florida.”

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis:

Pete was not only a loving father, husband, he was mentor to many and an institution of Florida Politics.

I first met Pete in the 90s while serving on the Florida elections commission and it’s been history ever since. It’s easier to list the jobs he didn’t have than the ones he did. Pete’s been everything from a General Counsel to a Governor, to the head of the state’s economic development agency, to the head of a water management district and so on and so on.

Pete represented what a true public servant is, he served as a bridge between the previous administration under Governor Scott to the current administration under Governor DeSantis.

He was dearly beloved and is going to be missed.

My heart goes out to his family, and his legacy will forever live on through the halls of the Capitol of Florida.

Melissa Stone, former Chief of Staff to Scott:

“Pete would walk through fire for his friends, teammates and those he served. So many confided in him and he would never share a word of what anyone said. He was whip smart with the heart of a lion – a rare combination in our carefully manicured social media world. He loved to mentor. I would turn to him often for advice, but I most enjoyed how his face lit up when he met my kids and when he would talk about his kids and grandkids. We lost a legend, but it hurts because we lost a true friend.”

Charlie Crist campaign:

“Governor Crist extends his deepest condolences to Peter Antonacci’s family, friends, and loved ones,” said Samantha Ramirez. “Peter Antonacci was a dedicated and respected public servant with a long history of working with members from both sides of the aisle to better Florida. May he rest in peace.”

Secretary of State Cord Byrd:

“I am saddened by the loss of Peter Antonacci, who passed away unexpectedly this afternoon, Friday, September 23, 2022.

Pete was a steadfast public servant throughout his career and played an important role at the Florida Department of State having been appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in July as Director of the Office of Election Crimes and Security.

My thoughts and prayers and those of the employees who worked closely with Pete are with his family and loved ones. The family has asked for their privacy during this time of grief.”

Rep. Chip LaMarca:

This is just devastating news. I was with Pete less than a month ago and he was so thoughtful and generous with his time. He has always been a fighter and never said no to the opportunity to make things right. I remember the first time he called me when I was a county commissioner — just to chat about people and politics in Broward. We will miss him and pray for his family. #RIP

Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of my friend, Pete Antonacci, who dedicated his professional life to serving our State in a multitude of roles. I first met Pete back in 1999, when I was a young Assistant Attorney General under AG Bob Butterworth and he was the second in command. I never knew he was a Republican working for a Democratic AG, because it didn’t matter. Pete always put public service and the rule of law ahead of partisanship. Among his many different positions in state government, Pete served as my immediate predecessor as interim State Attorney here in Palm Beach County from 2011-12, and was invaluable in helping me with the transition. He was always there for advice and a good chuckle from his wry sense of humor. He loved Florida and the law, but most of all he was devoted to his family: his wife, Anne, and daughters, Alexis & Claudia, and grandchildren. Sending prayers to them during this difficult time.  May Pete’s name be of blessed memory always.”

Florida pollster Steve Vancore:

“Pete was beyond a shadow of a doubt one of the finest people I have ever had the honor of knowing. He wasn’t just a jack of all trades but was an organizational master who understood how to bring out the best out in people. Florida was lucky beyond measure to have had him for as long as we did.”

Randy Hanna, Dean, Florida State University, Panama City Campus:

“Having both a legal and public service background, I have always had the highest level of respect for  Pete Antonucci as one who set the gold standard in both areas. Pete was a lawyers’ lawyer, which is one of the highest accolades a lawyer can receive from peers. RIP in peace Pete. Thank you for your service to your state that you loved and my sympathies and prayers to your family.”

Julie Hauserman, longtime reporter now a public affairs and communications strategist for Earthjustice:

“RIP Pete Antonacci, a longtime Florida official who held varying jobs over many decades. In his personal life he was a mensch. Here he is holding my lil newborn baby girl 25 years ago. Deep condolences to his sweet family.”

Renzo Downey

Renzo Downey covers state government for Florida Politics. After graduating from Northwestern University in 2019, Renzo began his reporting career in the Lone Star State, covering state government for the Austin American-Statesman. Shoot Renzo an email at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @RenzoDowney.


19 comments

  • Douglas Adkins

    September 23, 2022 at 5:44 pm

    Pete was one of the cornerstones of state and local government. I am grateful to have had a chance to get to know him and learn from a real leader for Floridians. I am shocked and sadden to learn of his sudden departure and pray for comfort for his family during this difficult time. RIP Pete

  • Impeach Biden

    September 23, 2022 at 6:05 pm

    Antonacci had to clean up the horrible Broward County election system. This BLUE County has had TWO Democrat Election Supervisors removed for incompetence, Miriam Oliphant and Brenda Snipes. Dirty politics here in the People’s Republic of Broward County. Thanks to Antonacci for cleaning up the mess the Democrats brought to the election system here. RIP..

    • Myrtle

      September 23, 2022 at 6:41 pm

      Your partisan remarks in a death and grievance article arerude and impolite.

      • Impeach Biden

        September 23, 2022 at 9:10 pm

        How so? I was honoring the man that fixed the crooked election supervisors in Broward County. Facts don’t matter to you?

    • Not very Christian of you

      September 23, 2022 at 7:53 pm

      Shame on you

    • Elliott Offen

      September 23, 2022 at 8:50 pm

      Meanwhile TRUMP biggest election criminal in American history. Why aren’t election police down at Mar-a-Lago? That’s ok.. Georgia will scoop his fat ass up. You people are a disgrace.

      • Impeach Biden

        September 23, 2022 at 9:13 pm

        Trump isn’t an election supervisor. You need to move on. He is no longer in office. Focus your anger and disappointment on truly the most inept President / Administration since Jimmy Carter. From the economy to world affairs to immigration it is an epic mess that the incompetent one got us in to.

        • Elliott Offen

          September 23, 2022 at 9:47 pm

          Trump was worse. Historians agree. Idiots don’t agree. Everyone will move on after he is no longer a fugitive from justice. And you sir, are a pro crime deplorable…

          • CPT Obvious

            September 25, 2022 at 7:34 pm

            Hiliary Clinton calling half of America deplorables is mass generalized racism.

  • Andrew Ladanowski

    September 23, 2022 at 9:21 pm

    An amazing dedicated public servant, which I had the opportunity to work for, for a brief time!

  • Arthur Love

    September 23, 2022 at 10:52 pm

    Although we went our separate ways after school it was a great time growing up with a super neighbor, classmate, and friend that put his all into everything we did together as he did throughout life.
    R.I.P. Pete

  • Donald Trump

    September 23, 2022 at 11:01 pm

    Never heard of the fuckin guy. Anyway, back to me.😂

  • Keiser Lyon

    September 24, 2022 at 7:23 am

    I am so glad he’s dead. As a lifelong Floridian and like 4th generation Floridian, and 2 time grad of FSU, I hate the lying, stupid GOP pieces of shit ruining my state. Real Floridians are glad lying, GOP operatives die. Hopefully we can make more dead GOPers in the near future. Sleep well, election liars. We are going to kill all of you.

    • Noel Fred

      September 24, 2022 at 8:44 am

      why would anyone talk this way, let alone at the time of death.

      your hatred is so nasty and out of line.

    • Elliott Offen

      September 24, 2022 at 8:50 am

      Amen! Kill em all let Satan sort em out!!!👹

    • Impeach Biden

      September 24, 2022 at 12:44 pm

      Keizer you are an idiot. Read about the incompetence at the Broward County Supervisor of elections office. Two incompetent Democrats that were in charge were both removed. Antonacci was sent in to clean up the mess of Brenda Snipes. Miriam Oliphant was a total moron and just plain stupid.

  • Big killer

    September 25, 2022 at 10:16 pm

    Taco Bell man.
    Gets you every

    Antonacci: BRAAAPPP

  • Tjb

    September 26, 2022 at 4:06 pm

    I am a Democrat with the highest respect for Pete Antonacci. I often felt that he was a Republican who served all of the people of Florida and not just his party. Pete Antonacci was a man with integrity and a moral compass. The good citizen of Florida will deeply miss a great leader.

  • It's Complicated

    September 26, 2022 at 4:39 pm

    Antonacci was the go-to guy for numerous governors when it came to putting someone in charge to get government entities working properly, again. He could apply his no-nonsense approach to a wide variety of missions. He wasn’t a partisan, rather, he was a man dedicated to making public institutions function properly. There is no doubt he could have earned far more money by stepping into the private sector, but he chose public service.

Comments are closed.


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