Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has nominated John Guard, senior counselor to the state’s attorney general, for a position on the appellate court. This nomination follows the withdrawal of Guard’s federal judgeship candidacy amid scrutiny related to a charity associated with the governor.
In June 2025, President Donald Trump nominated Guard for a federal judgeship in the Middle District of Florida. However, the nomination was returned to the President on January 3, 2026, under Senate Rule XXXI, paragraph 6, effectively ending its consideration. This development coincided with Guard’s involvement as a witness in a criminal investigation concerning the Hope Florida Foundation, a charity founded by First Lady Casey DeSantis. The foundation received $10 million from a legal settlement between Centene Corporation and the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. Allegations have surfaced that these funds were redirected to political action committees linked to Governor DeSantis. Guard’s role was limited to signing the settlement agreement after obtaining the Attorney General’s approval and engaging in a few related emails. He has cooperated fully with investigators and is considered a witness, not a target, in the ongoing probe.
Despite the federal nomination setback, Guard’s extensive legal background has positioned him as a strong candidate for the appellate court. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Florida State University in 1997 and his Juris Doctor from Tulane University Law School in 2000. His career includes roles at Holland & Knight LLP, a federal clerkship, service as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Jacksonville, and partnership at Quarles & Brady LLP. Since 2019, Guard has held various positions within the Florida Attorney General’s office, including Chief Deputy Attorney General and briefly as Acting Attorney General. He has been involved in significant litigation efforts on behalf of the state, such as challenging Department of Homeland Security policies and defending Florida’s 15-week abortion ban following the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
Governor DeSantis’s nomination of Guard to the appellate court underscores confidence in his legal acumen and dedication to public service, even as the Hope Florida Foundation investigation continues. The nomination now awaits confirmation by the appropriate judicial nominating commission.