Florida Representative Joe Casello dies while in office

Florida Representative Joe Casello Passes Away During Tenure

Casello was a firefighter in Worcester, Massachusetts, for three decades before entering politics in Florida.

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. — Joe Casello, a Democratic legislator from Florida, has passed away in office due to a heart attack, as confirmed by officials from the state House. He was 73 years old.

Casello, who took office in 2018 representing a district in Boynton Beach, was with his girlfriend and family when he passed away on Friday, according to a social media announcement by the Florida House Democratic Caucus.

“The family deeply appreciates all the love and support extended to them during this challenging time,” stated the caucus.

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.

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