BY CHRISTOPHER VARGAS
As Election Day nears in Palm Beach County, the spotlight sharpens on several pivotal races that will shape the future of local governance. One of the most closely followed contests is the race to be the next state attorney for the 15th Judicial Circuit, which serves all of Palm Beach County.
Currently the county’s top prosecutor, State Attorney Dave Aronberg has decided not to seek re-election after three terms in office. This year’s general election ballot features three contenders seeking to replace Aronberg: Democratic candidate Alexcia Cox, Republican candidate Sam Stern and independent candidate Adam Farkas. Each brings a unique vision and determination to the race.
Alexcia Cox — A Palm Beach County native, Cox is a distinguished legal professional who currently works at Aronberg’s office on the leadership team as deputy chief assistant state attorney. She defeated two other candidates, Gregg Lerman and Craig Williams, in the August primary to win her party’s nomination.
Cox brings a strong educational background, having attended both the University of Central Florida and the Florida State University College of Law. Over the years, Cox has become a prominent figure in the community, actively participating in and leading organizations such as the Guardians of the Glades Women’s Leadership Program, the Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers and the Palm Beach County Black Chamber of Commerce.
“I am a dedicated prosecutor and trusted leader in Palm Beach County with a 19-year legal career, successfully prosecuting complex cases including first-degree murder, elder abuse, child abuse, robbery and domestic violence felonies,” Cox said. “As an award-winning attorney and community leader, I’ve held various leadership roles and received over a dozen awards for my advocacy, leadership and community service.”
Her nearly two decades of experience include prosecuting a number of high-profile cases, such as the 2022 conviction of Euri Jenkins, sentenced to life in prison for hiring a hitman to kill his pregnant wife.
Cox is proud of the work that has been done under Aronberg’s three terms. “Our conviction rates are among the highest in the State of Florida, and we have worked tirelessly to protect the community and hold criminals accountable,” Cox said.
However, she does see areas for improvement. If elected, Cox’s key priorities would be the creation of a dedicated Hate Crimes Unit to tackle growing concerns over targeted violence in the county that pertain toward antisemitism, racism, homophobia and all other similar crimes.
“In addition to implementing a Hate Crimes Unit, I intend to build a strong Elder Crimes Unit with dedicated prosecutors who participate in specialized training and possess the expertise needed to remain two steps ahead of cybercriminals who prey on our most vulnerable residents,” Cox said.
Another plan is to establish a “Community Engagement Officer” position to lead a community outreach program within the office and regularly engage with residents and the business community, ensuring that residents feel heard, respected and know that they can trust the State Attorney’s Office. “I do not believe our only interactions with the community should be when police are called because something has happened,” Cox said.
She explained that being a state attorney is more than a career; it’s a calling that requires deep commitment.
“I am the only candidate with a successful track record as a prosecutor and trial lawyer with a proven record of leadership in the State Attorney’s Office and service to the greater Palm Beach County community,” she said. “No one will work harder to protect our residents and increase public safety.”
Learn more about Cox at www.alexciacox.com.
Sam Stern — Stern defeated Boca Raton attorney Forrest Freedman in the August primary to win the Republican nomination. He hails from a distinguished lineage of prosecutors and public servants. A graduate of Fordham University School of Law, Stern has built a legal career spanning D.C., New York, New Jersey and Florida. He currently serves as a partner at Stern, Kilcullen & Rufolo LLC, based in Palm Beach Gardens. In 2019, he was elected to the board of trustees at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, his undergraduate alma mater.
“I have been a prosecutor in the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office,” Stern said. “This prosecutorial background provides unique experience into how different offices function and insight into optimal investigative techniques.”
Stern is also an active educator, teaching at the University of Miami School of Law and the National Trial Advocacy College at the University of Virginia. Known for his successful prosecutions of violent crimes, sexual offenses and economic fraud, Stern’s platform includes keeping violent criminals out of the community, creating a task force to deal with felons caught committing gun crimes and protecting seniors from fraud and financial crimes.
“I am the most qualified candidate given my unique background as a state and federal prosecutor, defense attorney, law professor and a published author,” Stern said.
Stern said that his main reason for running is “because I am passionate about keeping our community safe and protecting the rights of victims. This is the community where my wife and I are raising our two boys, and where my parents and mother-in-law live. I care about this community and want it to be safe for everyone’s families.”
If he were elected state attorney, Stern said his mission would be to recruit, train and run the finest office anywhere. “A highly trained office leads to better outcomes for the community, even for defendants, and it enhances retention,” said Stern, the author of The Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Cross-Examination.
“I have also been a defense attorney specializing in white collar cases, and this experience provides important perspective and depth in evaluating how prosecutor’s offices can operate more effectively and appropriately,” he said.
Learn more about Stern at www.votesamstern.com.
Adam Farkas — The independent candidate, Farkas, brings a diverse legal background and extensive trial experience, driven by a commitment to defending the integrity of the justice system against politicization. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, Farkas pursued his law degree at Nova Southeastern University, graduating cum laude.
Specializing in trial advocacy and criminal defense, Farkas built a strong foundation in litigation. He started his career as a prosecutor with the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office in 2009, where he tried more than 100 cases. Transitioning to defense work, he has tried an additional 100 cases, establishing a strong reputation in criminal defense, family law (including dependency) and personal injury.
“The skillset and knowledge I have gained through the consistent practice of law — as opposed to the supervision of other attorneys engaged in its practice (like my Democratic opponent) or the teaching of students who may one day engage in its practice (like my Republican opponent) — will allow me to hit the ground running after the election,” Farkas said.
Farkas believes that his legal background is what the office needs.
“I feel that having served as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney provides me with a balanced and thoughtful understanding of the commitments each side shares to the pursuit of justice — as well as where their interests diverge,” he said.
Farkas acknowledged that, given his independent affiliation, his views may hold little weight with some. However, he firmly believes that allowing political biases — whether subtle or overt — to influence the scales of justice would inflict irreparable harm on the legal system and erode public trust in its legitimacy.
“Partisan considerations should never impact or impede the vital work of prosecutors at our State Attorney’s Office,” Farkas said, adding that he is determined to fight relentlessly to safeguard the impartiality and integrity of the justice system.
His key areas for improving the State Attorney’s Office focus on securing appropriate funding to ensure prosecutors earn a living wage, fostering a workplace culture where leaders are more engaged, building strong professional and interpersonal relationships, offering support to colleagues and distributing caseloads more evenly to reduce stress on individual attorneys. Farkas also plans to provide division chiefs with the opportunity to observe areas in need of improvement and identify younger attorneys who could benefit from mentorship or the support of a co-counsel.
Learn more about Farkas at www.adamfarkasforthe15th.com.
