Florida AG Accused of Orchestrating Fake Protest Campaign Against Lawmaker

New evidence suggests James Uthmeier's office incited faith groups to protest against Rep. Alex Andrade, who was investigating Uthmeier's role in a charity scandal.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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According to the Tampa Bay Times, the Florida attorney general's office, led by James Uthmeier, allegedly reached out to faith groups and asked them to protest against Rep. Alex Andrade, who was investigating Uthmeier's involvement in the Hope Florida Foundation scandal. Uthmeier's office initially denied any involvement in the protests.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about potential abuse of power and political retaliation by state officials against lawmakers who are investigating them. It raises questions about the integrity of government institutions and the need for robust checks and balances.

The details

The Tampa Bay Times reported that Uthmeier's spokesperson, Jae Williams, contacted faith groups and falsely claimed that Andrade was proposing to cut funding for the Florida Pregnancy Care Network, a chain of anti-abortion clinics. Williams asked the groups to protest and carry signs at Andrade's House budget committee meeting. Andrade had been investigating Uthmeier's role in the Hope Florida Foundation scandal, where health care settlement money was allegedly diverted to a charity founded by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' wife.

  • On Monday, the House budget committee that Rep. Andrade oversees was scheduled to meet for the last time before the end of the legislative session.
  • The protests organized by Uthmeier's office were planned for 4pm on the day of the committee meeting.

The players

James Uthmeier

The Florida attorney general whose office is accused of orchestrating the fake protest campaign against Rep. Andrade.

Rep. Alex Andrade

The Florida lawmaker who was investigating Uthmeier's role in the Hope Florida Foundation scandal.

Jae Williams

A spokesperson for Attorney General Uthmeier who allegedly reached out to faith groups and asked them to protest against Rep. Andrade.

Ron DeSantis

The Governor of Florida whose wife's charity, the Hope Florida Foundation, was allegedly the recipient of improperly diverted health care settlement money.

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What they’re saying

“Tomorrow at 4pm, Rep. Andrade's subcommittee is scheduled to meet for the LAST time, with almost three weeks left in Session. There is more than enough time to tackle big issues, and fund the [Florida Pregnancy Care Network].”

— Jae Williams, Spokesperson for Attorney General Uthmeier (Tampa Bay Times)

What’s next

The Florida legislature is expected to continue investigating Uthmeier's role in the alleged protest campaign and the Hope Florida Foundation scandal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of government accountability and the need for lawmakers to be able to investigate potential wrongdoing by state officials without fear of retaliation. It raises concerns about the abuse of power and the erosion of democratic norms.