Candidate: Gabby Sanders-Morency

Judge Gabrielle “Gabby” Sanders-Morency, the trailblazing first Black judge, ran unopposed in May  2018 and was elected  to the county bench in Osceola County, she has dedicated her career to upholding justice, equality, and the rights of all individuals.

Born out of a Haitian immigrant family, Judge Gabby's path to the bench was shaped by her upbringing and the unique challenges she faced. Her unwavering passion for serving and protecting others led her from being a prosecutor to her current esteemed position as a judge in Osceola County.

Judge Gabby's journey began at the University of South Florida (USF), where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English and American Literature. During her time at USF, she was a charter member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity and held a position on the executive board. In 2006, she pursued her legal education at Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law. At FAMU, she continued her involvement with Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, actively participated in the Black Law Student Association, and honed her skills through the Mock Trial Team. Judge Gabby's commitment to public service flourished as she worked as a certified legal intern for the Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office in the FAMU College of Law Prosecution Clinic.

Upon graduation, Judge Gabby became the first attorney in her family. She joined the Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office, representing the citizens of Orange and Osceola Counties as an Assistant State Attorney. Over the course of nearly a decade, she prosecuted a wide range of cases, including criminal citations, misdemeanors, domestic abuse, sexual assault, and even homicide cases. Her dedication to ensuring justice prevailed led her to protect the rights of both victims and the accused, striving for fairness and equality. Her commitment to excellence earned her promotions within the office, culminating in her role as Deputy Bureau Chief for the Ninth Circuit State Attorney's Osceola County office. In recognition of her expertise, Judge Gabby was appointed to the Death Penalty Review Panel and the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board.

Judge Gabby's impact extends beyond the courtroom. As an active member of the legal community, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Osceola County Branch of the Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida and the Osceola County Canvassing Board. Additionally, she volunteers her time as a Teen Court Judge for the Osceola County Teen Court program. Her dedication to public service has garnered numerous accolades, including the 2018 Florida A&M University College of Law Distinguished Alumni Award, the 2018 Award of Excellence from the Kissimmee Police Department, the 2018 MADD: Outstanding Award of Excellence in recognition for outstanding service in DUI Felony Prosecution, the 2019 Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency Chapter 7, Distinguished Service Award; and the 2021 Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association Award for Commitment to Public Service.

Recognized for her expertise and leadership, Judge Gabby was appointed by the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court to serve as a judicial mentor for newly elected judges in the Ninth Judicial Circuit. This esteemed role allows her to share her knowledge and experiences, guiding the next generation of judges and ensuring the highest standards of judicial service.

Judge Gabby's commitment to justice, equality, and public service extends beyond her professional endeavors. She is married to James Morency, and they have two beautiful children, Harper and Harrison. Her dedication to protecting the rights of all individuals who appear before her remains steadfast.