Warren concedes as Lopez wins full term as Hillsborough State Attorney

• Warren had said his ouster undermined the will of the voters.

Driving the news: Lopez bested Warren 53%-47% in Tuesday's election, according to unofficial results.

Follow the money: Lopez held a sizable cash advantage throughout the race, with over $1 million from Republican donors, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

• Warren raised about $600,000, a total that might reflect his late entry into the race.

Zoom in: Lopez said she restored the office's relationship with law enforcement agencies in the county and that she reversed Warren-era policies that advised prosecutors to use discretion in cases that involved low-level, non-violent crimes, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

• She says she aims to crack down further on gun violence in her first full term and prosecute "based on the rule of law, not on political convenience."

What they're saying: "I want only what's best for our community," Warren told Axios in a statement, "and I hope Ms. Lopez grows into this role to become an effective and independent state attorney."

Catch up quick: DeSantis appointed Lopez, a Republican, after he suspended Warren in 2022.

• Lopez is the first woman to serve as Hillsborough County's state attorney. She was a county judge before DeSantis tapped her for the post.
• Warren had initially said he wouldn't run again but changed his mind a week before the qualifying deadline.
• Warren's suspension by DeSantis was a central issue in the campaign. Warren argued it was illegal and politically motivated; Lopez argued Warren's policies deprioritizing certain low-level offenses amounted to failing to do his job.