Broward court clerk’s race no longer battle of exes as one leaves

Howard Forman, who held the office for 16 years, was running against his successor, Brenda Forman

The grudge match between the exes is off.

Former Broward Clerk of Courts Howard Forman is withdrawing his comeback bid against his ex-wife and political successor, Brenda Forman.

Forman, 74, said he made the decision after consulting with his family.

“Over the last several months and especially during this tumultuous time due to the Corona19 virus, I realized how important family and friends are during these days of isolation,” he said in a written statement. “We as a family decided that rather [than] run for office, the public good would be better served with other forms of community service.”

Forman’s withdrawal leaves three candidates remaining in the Democratic primary for Broward clerk: Brenda Forman, former Broward Circuit Court Judge Paul Backman, and former Broward teacher Christopher Hugley. Howard Forman did not endorse any of his former opponents.

Forman, who headed the clerk’s office for 16 years before stepping down in 2016, drew attention last year with his decision to come out of retirement to challenge his ex-wife for his ex-job. Brenda Forman married Howard Forman in 2013, then campaigned to replace him as clerk when he announced his retirement. Less than three months after she took office, the couple split.

The divorce got nasty, with Brenda Forman claiming her husband had dementia as she sought guardianship over his finances. Her effort was rejected by a Broward judge.

As political opponents, the Formans came face to face once, at a forum in Plantation in February. They bumped fists and remained cordial throughout the event.

JOHN MCCALL/SOUTH FLORIDA SUN SENTINEL Clerk of Courts Brenda Forman speaks alongside her ex-husband and opponent Howard Forman during the Broward Clerk of Courts Candidate Forum on Feb. 11 in Plantation.