Broward judge accepts discipline Circuit Judge Ernest Kollra reprimanded for partisan campaign activity
Broward Circuit Judge Ernest Kollra agreed to a formal reprimand for engaging in partisan conduct during his campaign for his first full term last year.
Kollra, who narrowly won his race, told the South Florida Sun Sentinel editorial board during an endorsement interview that he is a registered Republican. The question was raised during a discussion about Kollra’s 2016 appointment to the bench by Republican Gov. Rick Scott.
During that same interview, Kollra’s opponent, Alan Schneider, declined to disclose his party affiliation and suggested Kollra was not permitted to discuss his party affiliation during the campaign.
Judicial races are nonpartisan, and the rules governing candidates’ conduct are spelled out — partisanship is forbidden.
According to the Judicial Qualifications Commission, which polices ethics violations by judges, Kollra realized he was wrong to disclose his party registration when Schneider raised the issue.
But a few weeks after his disclosure, Kollra obtained the endorsement of the Dolphin Democratic Club, then boasted about it at a forum hosted by the Hills Democratic Club.
Again, as he left the stage, Kollra was approached by another candidate and realized he was wrong to highlight the partisan endorsement, according to the JQC.
Kollra ended up winning 2,108 votes out of 227,226 cast.
According to records released by the JQC on Friday, Kollra admitted he acted improperly.
The JQC reached an agreement with Kollra recommending a public reprimand. The Florida Supreme Court has final say over whether to accept the agreement or institute another penalty. by Broward Circuit Judge Ernest Kollra agreed to a public reprimand for being too open about his political affiliation and endorsements during last year’s election, which he won by a narrow margin.