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Casey DeSantis denounces Dem lt. gov. candidate for joke involving special needs students

Hernandez-Mats joked that her experience as a special education teacher working with "emotionally handicapped" students prepared her to "deal with the dysfunctional Legislature."

September 14, 2022 9:13pm

Updated: September 14, 2022 11:04pm

Florida first lady Casey DeSantis angrily denounced Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Karla Hernandez-Mats for a joke she made involving disabled students.

"Sickened by callous words from someone who claims to be an advocate for children," DeSantis tweeted. "Karla, saying children w/ unique abilities are 'dysfunctional' & equating them to political opponents is a new low."

Hernandez-Mats joked that her experience as a special education teacher working with "emotionally handicapped" students prepared her to "deal with the dysfunctional Legislature."

Hernandez-Mats is running alongside former Florida Gov. and current Democratic candidate Charlie Crist on the party ticket. Crist will face Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in the November general election.