Election Day · August 18 A Candidate for the Bench

Nicole Morris

Circuit Judge Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit · Group 27

The temperament, professionalism, and skill we need in a Circuit Judge.

Vote August 18 Read Her Letter
Portrait of Nicole Morris, candidate for Circuit Judge

Justice is best served when judges faithfully uphold the Constitution and apply the law fairly, consistently, and without bias.

Nicole Morris  ·  Candidate, Circuit Judge

As Prosecutor

Assistant State Attorney

Prosecuted criminal cases on behalf of the State of Florida — advocating for victims, working with law enforcement, and upholding the public interest in the courtroom.

Firsthand understanding of the responsibility prosecutors carry to protect public safety while honoring the rights of every party before the court.

"The responsibility of prosecutors to protect public safety."
As Public Defender

Chief Assistant Public Defender

Leading the Public Defender's office in Citrus County today — defending the constitutional rights of the accused and ensuring due process under the Sixth Amendment.

Firsthand understanding of the critical role public defenders play in safeguarding constitutional rights and the dignity of every person who stands before a judge.

"The critical role public defenders play in safeguarding constitutional rights."
Meet Nicole

A career devoted to service, the Constitution, and the people of Florida's Fifth Circuit.

Nicole Morris

Nicole Morris, Chief Assistant Public Defender, Citrus County — candidate for Circuit Judge, Group 27.

For years, Nicole Morris has served the families of Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit as both an attorney and an advocate for justice. She has stood at every table the criminal justice system has — first as an Assistant State Attorney prosecuting cases on behalf of the State, and today as Chief Assistant Public Defender in Citrus County, where she leads the office that defends the constitutional rights of the accused.

"I would bring a unique and balanced perspective to the bench."

That dual experience is rare and deliberate. It has given her firsthand insight into every side of our justice system: the responsibility prosecutors carry to protect public safety, and the critical role public defenders play in safeguarding the Bill of Rights. She has seen what works in a courtroom — and what doesn't — from both vantage points.

Throughout her career she has watched what defines an effective judge: integrity, fairness, patience, and an even temperament. These are not abstractions. They are the daily habits of a courtroom that earns the public's trust. As a judge, Nicole would carry them into every ruling and every hearing — applying the law as written by our lawmakers and interpreted by the appellate courts, never based on personal opinion, but grounded in the rule of law.

A Letter to Voters

In Her Own Words

From the desk of Nicole Morris

Dear Voter,

It has been an honor to serve the families of Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit as both an attorney and an advocate for justice. Through years of courtroom experience, I have learned that justice is best served when judges faithfully uphold the Constitution and apply the law fairly, consistently, and without bias.

I would bring a unique and balanced perspective to the bench. I have served as both an Assistant State Attorney and currently, as the Chief Assistant Public Defender in Citrus County. These experiences have given me firsthand insight into every side of our justice system. I understand the responsibility of prosecutors to protect public safety, as well as the critical role public defenders play in safeguarding constitutional rights.

Throughout my career, I have also seen the qualities that define an effective judge: integrity, fairness, patience, and an even temperament. As your judge, I will treat every person who enters my courtroom with respect and dignity.

You can count on me to apply the law as written by our lawmakers and interpreted by the appellate courts — not based on personal opinion, but grounded in the rule of law. I bring strong legal research and courtroom skills, a tireless work ethic, and a deep commitment to ensuring justice is served in every case. I would be honored to earn your vote on August 18.

Sincerely,

Nicole Morris
Nicole M. Morris
Candidate · Circuit Judge, Group 27
Endorsements

Trusted to Serve

Prosecutors, public defenders, and law enforcement who have worked alongside Nicole Morris — on both sides of the courtroom — stand with her.

“Ms. Morris possesses integrity, legal expertise, and judicial temperament that are essential for the bench.”

Throughout the legal community, Ms. Morris has earned a strong reputation for her professionalism, sound judgment, and dedication to justice — remaining calm and composed under pressure, approaching every case with thoughtfulness, fairness, and objectivity.

“I am confident Nicole Morris will serve with distinction as a Circuit Judge, and she has my full support.”

Sheriff Peyton C. Grinnell Lake County Sheriff’s Office

“The judiciary would be lucky to have her.”

I had the privilege of working with Ms. Morris as opposing counsel while she served as a Public Defender in Lake County. As a prosecutor, I knew I could trust Nicole to be honest and reasonable while still zealously advocating for her clients.

I saw firsthand the legal knowledge, dedication, and work ethic she put forward every day serving the indigent. I have no doubt she would make an excellent judge who would treat all litigants with the respect and courtesy they deserve.

“It is my pleasure to endorse Nicole Morris for judge.”

Gabriel Lozano Former Chief Assistant State Attorney — Lake County State Attorney’s Office

“I have worked closely with Nicole for years, and there is not a more deserving candidate.”

I have worked closely with Nicole for years, including trying a death penalty case with her, and I can honestly say there is not a more deserving candidate. She is a seasoned attorney who has served as both a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney.

Regardless of her job title, she has always been brilliant, humble, hard-working, evenly tempered, respectful, fair, and genuinely a wonderful human being. She follows the law, has worked tirelessly for everything she has accomplished, and has earned the respect of those who have worked alongside her in both roles. She has all the qualities of an excellent judge.

“It is my great honor to wholeheartedly endorse and support Nicole Morris for Judge.”

Morris Carranza Chief Assistant Public Defender — Lake County Public Defender’s Office

“After 17-plus years in law enforcement as a Deputy and Detective, I’m giving my full support to Nicole.”

After spending 17-plus years in law enforcement in Citrus and Sumter Counties as a Deputy and Detective, I’ve had many depositions and trials. During this time, I dealt with many prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges.

With that being said, I’m giving my full support to Nicole. She is ready for this next step in her career. Her family values are a trait I considered for my endorsement, and her being both a prosecutor and defense attorney gives her the life experiences necessary to assure that justice will continue to be served.

“Nicole, best of luck with your campaign and future success as a judge.”

Bryan Melhado Retired Law Enforcement — Citrus & Sumter County Sheriff’s Office

“It is my pleasure to recommend Nicole for the position of Judge.”

Nicole possesses the intelligence, integrity, and sound judgment that are essential to the judicial role. She has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to analyze complex issues thoughtfully and reach well-reasoned conclusions based on facts, law, and principle.

What truly distinguishes Nicole is her unwavering commitment to justice and accountability. She approaches every situation with fairness, ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect while holding herself and others to the highest ethical standards. Her decisions are guided not by personal preference, but by a deep belief in the rule of law and the importance of equal treatment under it.

Nicole is a careful listener who considers all perspectives before reaching a conclusion. She combines intellectual rigor with genuine compassion, allowing her to balance firmness with understanding. Colleagues and community members alike trust her judgment because they know she is honest, impartial, and dedicated to doing what is right, even when faced with difficult circumstances.

The judiciary requires individuals who are both highly capable and deeply principled. Nicole embodies these qualities. Her intelligence, fairness, and steadfast dedication to justice make her exceptionally well-qualified to serve as a judge and uphold the public’s trust in the legal system.

“I recommend Nicole without reservation and am confident she would serve with distinction, integrity, and honor.”

Erin Davis Manager, Legal Department — BayCare Health Systems
Judicial Philosophy

Six Principles for the Bench

A judge's job is not to make the law — it is to apply it, faithfully and equally, to every person who appears in court.

  1. i

    Integrity

    Honest, ethical, and accountable. The foundation of every judge worthy of the title — and a standard that does not bend.

  2. ii

    Fairness

    Every party heard. Every argument considered. No thumb on the scale, no shortcut around due process, ever.

  3. iii

    Patience

    Justice is not rushed. Each case deserves the time and careful attention the law and the parties require.

  4. iv

    Even Temperament

    A calm, measured bench — even in difficult moments — keeps the courtroom a place of order, respect, and reasoned decision-making.

  5. v

    Rule of Law

    Apply the law as written by our lawmakers and interpreted by the appellate courts. Not personal opinion. Not personal preference.

  6. vi

    Respect & Dignity for All

    Every person who enters the courtroom — victim, defendant, attorney, witness, juror — is treated with the dignity our justice system promises.

A Promise

I will treat every person who enters my courtroom with respect and dignity.

Get Involved

Join the Campaign

A fair, principled bench is built by neighbors who show up. Knock a few doors, make a few calls, or put a sign in your yard — every bit helps elect Nicole Morris.

How would you like to help?

We’ll only use your information to coordinate volunteer efforts for the campaign.

Mark Your Calendar

Vote Nicole Morris for Circuit Judge

08·18
Election Day Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit · Group 27 · Nonpartisan Judicial Election

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NICOLE MORRIS · FOR CIRCUIT JUDGE

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