BREAKING: Democrat Representative Dies After Having Heart Attack

You never want to hear this, regardless of someone’s political affiliation.

Democrat Florida State Representative Joe Casello has died after suffering a heart attack.

Rep. Joe Casello was 73.

CBS News had more details to report on Rep. Casello’s sudden death:

Florida State Rep. Joe Casello died after having a heart attack, Florida House Democrats announced.

“We are so sorry to say that Representative Joe Casello has passed away surrounded by his loving family and girlfriend, following a heart attack. He was 73. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered their love and support during this difficult time,” a post on X read.

Casello was a firefighter in Worcester, Massachusetts, for three decades before entering politics in Florida. He served as a Boynton Beach city commissioner before becoming a state lawmaker. He had announced plans to run for a seat on the Palm Beach County Commission in 2026.

His profile on the state House of Representatives website says he enjoyed golf and was elected in 2018.

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Florida Representative Joe Casello of Boyton Beach. He was universally well-liked and leaves a legacy of having sponsored legislation that started the Purple Alert system in Florida, used to find missing adults with intellectual,… pic.twitter.com/nOvyy0gawP

— Dean Black (@DeanBlackFL) July 19, 2025

Florida House Democrats were the first to announce Casello’s death.

Take a look:

We are so sorry to say that Representative Joe Casello has passed away surrounded by his loving family and girlfriend, following a heart attack. He was 73.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered their love and support during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/ZFZILow1qc

— Florida House Democrats (@FLHouseDems) July 19, 2025

Yahoo News reported what will happen next now that Casello’s seat is empty:

Under Florida law, Gov. Ron DeSantis is required to call a special election or special primary election when a vacancy occurs for a legislative seat because of a death.

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