Charles Canady, the longest-serving member of the Florida Supreme Court, has announced his resignation to take on the role of director at the University of Florida’s Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education. Canady, who has served on the court for the past 17 years, made the announcement on Monday, expressing gratitude for his time in public service. He stated, “I will always deeply value my years on the court. But the time has come to move on to another position of public service.”
Canady, aged 71, will transition to his new role in 2026, where he will also serve as a tenured professor. His departure opens the opportunity for Governor Ron DeSantis to appoint a successor. DeSantis has previously appointed five of the seven current justices, significantly reshaping the court’s ideological balance.
Canady was appointed to the Florida Supreme Court in August 2008 by then-Governor Charlie Crist, who was a Republican at the time but later became a Democrat. Canady’s tenure included three terms as chief justice. Prior to his judicial career, he served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 1984 to 1990 and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992, where he completed four terms before returning to Florida.
Political Background and Judicial Impact
Throughout his career, Canady has been known for his conservative stances, particularly on issues such as abortion. He is credited with coining the term “partial birth abortion” and was instrumental in legislation aiming to ban the practice during his time in Congress. Additionally, he played a significant role in the impeachment trial of former President Bill Clinton in 1999.
Canady’s judicial philosophy often diverged from that of his colleagues on a court that was perceived as liberal-leaning. However, this dynamic shifted following the appointments made by DeSantis, which began in 2019 after the mandatory retirements of former justices. Canady’s replacement is likely to further influence the court’s direction.
Canady’s wife, Jennifer Canady, is also prominent in state politics, having been elected to the Florida House in 2022. She is positioned to potentially become the House speaker after the 2028 elections, highlighting the couple’s significant presence in Florida’s political landscape.
Transition to Academia
Canady’s new role at the Hamilton School marks a return to his early academic interests. In past interviews, he noted a desire to pursue a career in political science but ultimately chose law. He expressed satisfaction with his career path, stating, “I have never one day in my life as a lawyer regretted my decision to become a lawyer.”
The Hamilton School is part of a broader initiative among Republican leaders in Florida to promote traditional educational values, moving away from contemporary approaches that emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion. According to the school’s website, it aims to cultivate critical thinkers and leaders who engage deeply with foundational ideas that sustain a free society.
As Canady transitions to this new phase of his career, he is expected to leverage his extensive political and legal experience to influence the next generation of students at the Hamilton School, thereby contributing to the ongoing conversation surrounding education in the state of Florida.
