PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Democrat Alexcia Cox will be the next state attorney of Palm Beach County, defeating Republican challenger Sam Stern by a razor-thin margin.
Cox will replace Dave Aronberg, who's stepping down after three terms.
According to the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections website, Cox received 49% of the vote to Stern's 48.5%.
Stern has not conceded the race and sent the following text message to WPTV reporter Dave Bohman, "Given the slim margins, it is critical that all the outstanding vote by mail ballots are counted."
Cox, the deputy chief assistant state attorney, won a three-way primary convincingly in August.
Stern, a Palm Beach Gardens attorney and former federal prosecutor in New York, raised a ton of money and raised the hopes of Palm Beach County’s GOP leadership could win in a Democratic county.
Stern campaigned Tuesday at a West Palm Beach polling location and told WPTV News journalist Dave Bohman that he's optimistic because Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis carried Palm Beach County two years ago. And Stern believes, like DeSantis, that he could pick up the votes of a few dissatisfied Democrats, as well as those who are not affiliated with a major party.
Stern also has the support of the two Democrats who ran against Cox in the August primary.
Cox was also optimistic, despite raising just $550,000 to Stern’s $1.4 million. She believes Palm Beach County Democrats are bouncing back this election cycle. County records show more Democrats voted early or voted by mail than Republican voters.
Cox had the support of Aronberg, as well as most leading Democrats.
At a candidates' forum in September, Stern told WPTV News anchor Michael Williams he would take a "tough on crime" approach if elected, and ensure transparency in the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Cox, meanwhile, told Williams that, if she was elected, she'd focus on building up a hate crimes task force and an elder crimes task force.
There is also an independent candidate in the race, Adam Farkas, who received only 2% of the vote.
Cox released the following statement on her victory:
"I am deeply humbled and incredibly honored by tonight’s victory. With immense gratitude, I accept the tremendous responsibility of serving as your next State Attorney for Palm Beach County. Tonight’s victory represents a triumph for justice and safety - principles I have upheld daily for the past 18 years. From my early days to becoming a lead prosecutor, I’ve been committed to protecting our community and serving my hometown with everything I have.
As I step into this role, I am more determined than ever to continue my life’s work: delivering justice for victims, holding criminals accountable, and leading with transparency, integrity, and a commitment to putting our community first. This campaign was never about politics. It was about bringing people together across our community who share a vision for a fair, balanced justice system that protects every resident and family.
I want to thank everyone who made this moment possible—from our volunteers to voters, our campaign team, and especially to my wonderful family, whose support has been unwavering. Together, we’ll build a justice system that truly serves, one that we can all be proud of. Thank you for your trust, and I look forward to working alongside you every step of the way."
