Florida Gubernatorial Candidate Arrested for Domestic Battery

Kevin Cichowski charged with multiple counts of aggravated battery, tampering with a witness, and robbery

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:21am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked smartphone screen reflecting a distorted, shadowy figure, conceptually representing the chaos and violence of a domestic altercation.The arrest of a Florida gubernatorial candidate on domestic violence charges casts a dark shadow over the state's upcoming primary election.Palm Coast Today

A man running for Florida governor, Kevin Cichowski, has been arrested on charges that he battered two older people in a home in Palm Coast, Florida. Cichowski, a Democratic candidate for governor, was charged with multiple counts of aggravated battery, tampering with a witness, and robbery after an incident on Friday morning.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about the conduct and fitness of a candidate for the highest office in the state of Florida, especially given the allegations of violence against elderly individuals. It also highlights the potential for personal issues to impact a political campaign.

The details

According to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a call in Palm Coast on Friday morning after receiving a report that Cichowski had battered two people, hitting one with a cane and throwing a cellphone at the other. One of the victims called 911 and claimed Cichowski threatened to kill them and said he would kill law enforcement if they were called. Officers arrived on the scene and evacuated the two people, one of whom was bedridden. Cichowski was taken into protective custody after making suicidal statements.

  • The incident occurred on Friday morning, April 11, 2026.
  • Cichowski is listed as a Democratic candidate for Florida governor, with the primary scheduled for August 18, 2026.

The players

Kevin Cichowski

A 46-year-old man running for Florida governor as a Democrat, who was previously a candidate for Palm Coast mayor in 2021.

Flagler County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and arrested Cichowski.

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What they’re saying

“'I haven't done anything wrong. This is insane.'”

— Kevin Cichowski, Gubernatorial Candidate

What’s next

Cichowski is expected to appear in court on Tuesday, April 15th, where a judge will determine whether to grant him bail.

The takeaway

This incident raises serious questions about Cichowski's fitness for public office and the potential for personal issues to impact a political campaign. It also highlights the importance of thorough vetting of candidates, especially for high-profile positions like the governorship.