History was made as Alexcia Cox took the oath of office as Palm Beach County’s new State Attorney. In a momentous ceremony on the 11th floor of the Palm Beach County Courthouse, Chief Judge Glenn Kelley of the 15th Judicial Circuit swore in Cox, making her the first woman and Black person to hold this pivotal position. Cox’s appointment not only marks an impressive personal achievement, but it also represents a significant milestone in the history of South Florida.
Alexcia Cox: A Career Prosecutor
Born and raised in Palm Beach County, Cox has devoted her entire career to the pursuit of justice. Her journey in the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office spans over 18 consecutive years and she has steadily risen through the ranks to the role of Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney. This dedicated public servant finally launched her bid for the top position in June 2023 aiming to succeed outgoing State Attorney Dave Aronberg.
Cox’s election victory was hard-fought and a testament to her passion for justice. Despite being at a funding disadvantage, she managed to win a close contest in November, outpacing her Republican opponent Sam Stern by just under a percentage point.
Endorsements and Support
Cox’s victory was not just a personal achievement but a collective one, made possible by the extensive support and endorsements she received from a broad spectrum of the community. More than 75 current and former elected officials endorsed her, including outgoing State Attorney Aronberg, four Democratic members of Congress, Palm Beach Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, Palm Beach Clerk Joseph Abruzzo, Broward’s State Attorney Harold Pryor and even the Palm Beach Post.
A New Chapter for Palm Beach County
As she takes the helm, Cox is eager to continue the office’s mission to hold criminals accountable and stand up for victims. She emphasized the collective responsibility of her office in her speech, reminding her team of 112 Assistant State Attorneys about the expectations of the residents of Palm Beach County.
“Every day, when you grab your files or your laptop and you head over to court, remember that people all across Palm Beach County are looking to us for safety, for justice, for help, for restitution, for fairness,” she said.
Retired Judge Krista Marx, who swore in the Assistant State Attorneys, expressed her anticipation for a time when the appointment of Black women to positions of power will be commonplace. “But it is extraordinary today,” she said. “We are here witnessing history. And Alexcia Cox has earned this through years and years of hard work and dedication.”
Indeed, Cox’s accomplishment is a testament to her dedication and perseverance. As the first woman and Black person to hold the position of State Attorney in Palm Beach County, she has broken barriers and paved the way for others to follow. Her historic appointment is a moment of pride for the whole of South Florida, marking a new chapter in the state’s history. Through her leadership, Cox will have the opportunity to influence the course of justice in Palm Beach County, ensuring the safety, justice, and fairness that she has vowed to uphold.
