After a Contentious Florida Midterm, Dr. Brenda Snipes Will Resign as Broward County Elections Supervisor

It’s rare for the name of a local election supervisor to make its way into that national press, and when one does, it’s usually not for outstanding service. Broward County Elections Supervisor Dr. Brenda Snipes was bestowed that unfortunate honor last week, when Republican Gov. Rick Scott sued her over ballot counting procedures in Florida’s midterm elections. Now, just hours after the final recount effort—in which Scott’s Senate campaign pulled off a narrow victory—Snipes has submitted her resignation, according to the Sun-Sentinel.

Snipes, who is 75, expressed a desire to spend more time with her family, according to Burnadette Norris-Weeks, an attorney at the Elections Office.

Though she was originally appointed to her position in 2003 by Republican then-governor Jeb Bush, Snipes clashed with Scott, another Republican seeking power in the state.

The Supervisor became a target of Republican vitriol after the recount effort began. Sen. Marco Rubio and President Trump both publicly criticized her. Even Bush, who appointed her, took to Twitter to condemn Snipes handling of the election.

From the Sun-Sentinel:

During the just-completed recount of the midterm election, Scott was a fierce critic of Snipes, accusing her of years of incompetence and asking the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate. Scott never offered any proof of fraud committed by Snipes.

If Snipes is to resign in January, the new head of Broward County elections would be appointed by Governor-elect Ron DeSantis, who was one of few prominent Florida Republicans who didn’t smear her publicly. If she resigns earlier, it will be Scott who will pick her successor.