The Daily Populous Sunday July 20th, 2025 evening edition
Authored by abcnews.go.com and submitted by AudibleNod

Florida Democratic lawmaker Joe Casello has died while in office following a heart attack

In this April 4, 2023, file photo, Rep. Joe Casello offers closing remarks on HB 5201, a bill relating to Capital Complex, on the House floor.

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. -- Florida Democratic lawmaker Joe Casello has died while in office following a heart attack, according to state House officials. He was 73.

Casello, who was first elected to the Florida House in 2018 from a district in Boynton Beach, was surrounded by his girlfriend and family when he died Friday, the Florida House Democratic Caucus said in a social media post.

“The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered their love and support during this difficult time,” the caucus said in a statement.

Casello was a firefighter in Worcester, Massachusetts, for three decades before entering politics in Florida. He served as a Boynton Beach city commissioner before becoming a state lawmaker. He had announced plans to run for a seat on the Palm Beach County Commission in 2026.

Under Florida law, Gov. Ron DeSantis is required to call a special election or special primary election when a vacancy occurs for a legislative seat because of a death.

RobutNotRobot on July 20th, 2025 at 03:45 UTC »

Since few read the article.

He was 73 years old.

He had a heart attack in his office.

He was a Democrat.

He was serving in the Florida STATE House.

schead02 on July 20th, 2025 at 03:10 UTC »

I'm only 37 but sometimes I feel like I'm going to die in my office too

AudibleNod on July 20th, 2025 at 03:03 UTC »

DeSantis, as Governor, has the authority to schedule special elections following a death. He's been sued for not being active. Since a 73-year-old Democrat passed, take a guess if he's going to schedule a special election for this guy.