South Florida legend John Kastrenakes is hanging up his 15th Circuit robe, after qualifying for reelection just last week.
The following email was reportedly sent to supporters today:
Dear Friends and Colleagues:
Today I sent a letter to the Florida Division of Elections officially removing my name from the 2022 ballot for Circuit Court Judge, Group 23.
As someone who has served in our judiciary since 2009 and who dedicated their entire career to public service, this was an incredibly difficult decision to make. We tentatively reached this conclusion last Monday, and now firmly believe that this is the best decision for my family moving forward.
Recent developments in the election landscape created new circumstances that would have substantially impacted my family and my job as a judicial officer. As my career has amply demonstrated, being a good husband, father, grandfather and dedicated, hard-working judge takes priority, especially over politics.
I have been humbled by the overwhelming support and encouragement I have received across our legal community. To all those who donated, thank you for your generous support. My campaign plans on making a refund of your donation.
I have been blessed to know the best of our legal community and citizens over a 42-year career of public service spanning from Miami to Washington, D.C. During that career, it has been my honor and distinct privilege to serve the citizens of our State and my country in multiple capacities. It has been a labor of love and gratitude. During that time, I was blessed to work with incredibly talented and dedicated public servants, not the least of which have been my colleagues here on the bench in Palm Beach County.
I plan to serve out the remainder of my term and then spend more valuable time with my wife, Pia, of 42 years and our children and 9 grandchildren. I also plan on expanding my national teaching schedule with multiple agencies whose mission is dedicated to making our nation safe. Of course, if called upon, I would not hesitate to come back in any capacity where I can further serve our community in the future.
Sincerely yours in service,
Johnny K.